From Death to Life

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Ezekiel 31; Jeremiah 32 - 33

Today, what may seem like a doom and gloom passage from a weeping prophet is really filled with hope and purpose. Ah, isn't that how our own lives can be! What seems hopeless in the moment, is what the Lord will bring life and beauty out of.  

Today we read a description of Jerusalem’s destruction and Israel’s devastation. Yet, God promises to renew and bring life back to Israel. What an awesome picture of our old man!

Israel was filled, completely taken over by sin. That’s how we were before coming to Christ and being born again. Jesus said, “Except a seed die, it cannot bring forth fruit” (John 12:24). We were dead in our sins, but He made us alive (Eph 2:1). “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Rom 8:10). Without death there can be no life. Paul grasped this when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:31, “I die daily.” Every day we are to “die” to sin and live for Christ. Sin brings death, but life in Christ is life everlasting.

Israel needed to be purged from her idolatry. So to, we need to be cleansed from sin. Israel suffered by the sword, but was given the promise of restoration (Jer 3:6-8). That’s how it is with us.  Our sin needs to be put to the sword of God’s Word, but we’re given the promise of new life (Heb 4:12).

Jeremiah knew of Israel’s need for a redeemer. Jeremiah knew God would keep His promise to save His people - not only from their physical captivity, but from their sin. 

In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David A Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth… and this is the name by which it will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 33:15, 16

Jesus, the son of David, came and reigns eternal. He’s the King of kings and Lord of lords! He alone is Our Righteousness. He is our Great High Priest who stands continually praying for us and interceding on our behalf (Heb 4:14; Rom 8:34).   

Through Jesus Christ we can enter into God’s presence and have fellowship with Him! (Heb 4:16). God beckons us and wants to speak to us if we will listen. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

That being said, pick up that Bible, open it and listen! There’s great things in store for those who seek the Lord!

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©