Oct. 11, 2021
The Calling of the Lord
The book of Jeremiah gets its name from its author, a prophet during Josiah’s reign of Judah (2 Kings 22-23). The theme of his message is God’s determination to restore His people from all nations through a new covenant.
The book begins with the Lord’s call of Jeremiah to speak to His people. Jeremiah feels unable to fulfill this calling, but God assures him that He has put this call on his life before he was born; He will be with Jeremiah. Through Jeremiah, the Lord rebukes Israel for turning from Him and following other gods. He compares them to a faithless spouse, forgetting the many ways God has protected and provided for them.
Paul encourages the Colossians to focus on Jesus, turn away from sin, and live according to the new life given to them by Christ. We are chosen by God and stand before Him as His beloved holy ones. Our lives should reflect this new covenant identity.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” - Colossians 3:16