A Call to Righteousness. 

Please read Jeremiah 22.1-9

1 Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

2 And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

3 Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

4 For if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people.

5 But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.

6 For thus saith the LORD unto the king's house of Judah; Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon: yet surely I will make thee a wilderness, and cities which are not inhabited.

7 And I will prepare destroyers against thee, every one with his weapons: and they shall cut down thy choice cedars, and cast them into the fire.

8 And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

9 Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

In this passage, the Lord commands Jeremiah to go to the house of the king of Judah and deliver a message. The Lord calls upon the king to execute judgment and righteousness, to deliver the oppressed, and to avoid violence against strangers, orphans, and widows. The promise is clear: if the king and his people obey, their throne will be secure, and they will prosper. However, if they disobey, the house of Judah will become desolate.

The Lord warns that the city will be destroyed, and many nations will question why such a great city has fallen. The answer will be that the people forsook the covenant of the Lord, worshipped other gods, and served them.

Reflection:

This passage reminds us of the importance of justice, righteousness, and compassion in leadership. It calls us to reflect on our own actions and how we treat others, especially the vulnerable. The consequences of turning away from God's commands are severe, but the promise of His blessings for obedience is equally profound. Let us strive to live in a way that honors God and upholds His principles of justice and mercy.

In Righteousness, A Call to Obedience, Sanctification and Blessing. 

1. Introduction: In Jeremiah 22:4-5, the Lord presents a clear choice to the house of David: obedience leading to blessings or disobedience leading to desolation. These verses encapsulate the essence of God's covenant relationship with His people, emphasizing the importance of righteous leadership and the consequences of turning away from His commands.

2. Verse 4 - The Promise of Obedience: "For if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people." Here, God promises that if the leaders of Judah execute justice and righteousness, their dynasty will be secure. This verse highlights God's desire to bless His people and establish a legacy of righteous leadership. It reminds us that obedience to God's commands brings stability and prosperity, not just for individuals but for entire nations.

3. Verse 5 - The Warning of Disobedience: "But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation." In stark contrast, verse 5 serves as a solemn warning. God's oath by Himself underscores the certainty and seriousness of the consequences of disobedience. This verse is a powerful reminder that turning away from God's commands leads to ruin and desolation. It calls us to reflect on the gravity of our choices and the impact they have on our lives and communities.

4. Application to Our Lives: These verses challenge us to examine our own lives and leadership. Are we upholding justice and righteousness in our actions? Are we listening to God's commands and striving to follow them? The promise of blessings for obedience and the warning of desolation for disobedience are as relevant today as they were in Jeremiah's time. We are called to be leaders in our families, communities, and workplaces who reflect God's justice and mercy.

5. Conclusion: Jeremiah 22:4-5 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. It calls us to choose the path of righteousness and justice, promising blessings and stability for those who do. Let us heed this call and strive to live in a way that honors God, knowing that our choices have profound consequences. How do these verses inspire you in your walk with God?

Here is a closing Christian prayer and a closing intention based on the discourse:

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your Word and the guidance it provides. We thank You for the promises and warnings found in Jeremiah 22:4-5, reminding us of the importance of obedience and righteousness. Lord, help us to be leaders who uphold justice and mercy, reflecting Your love and compassion in all that we do.

Grant us the wisdom to make choices that honor You and the courage to stand firm in Your truth. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness, and may we inspire others to follow the path of righteousness. We ask for Your strength to resist the temptations that lead us away from Your commands and for Your grace to walk in obedience.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Intention:

As we go forth, let us carry the message of Jeremiah 22:4-5 in our hearts. May we strive to live lives of justice and righteousness, knowing that our obedience brings blessings and stability. Let us be mindful of the impact of our choices and seek to honor God in all that we do. May our actions reflect His love and mercy, inspiring others to follow His path.

May this prayer and intention help you in your spiritual journey. May you receive needed grace and wisdom as you plan to apply these reflections in your daily life.

Amen and Amen.