38 lines
4.3 KiB
HTML
38 lines
4.3 KiB
HTML
|
|
<html>
|
|
<head>
|
|
<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
|
|
<script src="../../../js/basepath.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/nav.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainHeader.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="head">
|
|
Day By Day By Grace
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="subhead">
|
|
Bob Hoekstra
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="desc-center">
|
|
<div class="pad2020">
|
|
September 19
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="main-just">
|
|
<div class="pad2030">
|
|
<h1>More on Jeremiah Contrasting the Two Options on Trust</h1>
|
|
<div class="block"><i>Thus says the LORD: "<b>Cursed</b> is the man who <b>trusts</b> in <b>man</b> and makes <b>flesh</b> his <b>strength</b>…b>Blessed</b> is the <b>man</b> who <b>trusts</b> in the <b>LORD</b>, and whose <b>hope</b> is the <b>LORD</b>. For he shall be like a <b>tree</b> planted by the <b>waters</b>, which <b>spreads</b> out its <b>roots</b> by the <b>river</b>, and will <b>not fear</b> when <b>heat</b> comes; but her <b>leaf</b> will be <b>green</b>, and will <b>not</b> be <b>anxious</b> in the year of <b>drought</b>, <b>nor</b> will <b>cease</b> from yielding <b>fruit</b>."</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Jer', 17, '5-5');">Jeremiah 17:5a</a>, <a onClick="return mV('Jer', 17, '7-8');">7-8</a>)</div>
|
|
<p>Again, we consider Jeremiah <b>contrasting the two options on trust</b>. As we noted, there are only <b>two</b> choices: <b>man</b> or <b>God</b>. When man is the object of our hope, the result is the <b>curse</b> of spiritual <b>barrenness</b>. <i>"<b>Cursed</b> is the man who <b>trusts</b> in <b>man</b>."</i> Contrariwise, when God is the object of our dependence, the result is great <b>blessing</b>. <i>"<b>Blessed</b> is the <b>man</b> who <b>trusts</b> in the <b>LORD</b>, and whose <b>hope</b> is the <b>LORD</b>."</i></p>
|
|
<p>The spiritual blessing that comes from trusting in the Lord is likened to a tree that is growing by the continual flow of a river. <i>"For he shall be like a <b>tree</b> planted by the <b>waters</b>."</i> The riverside is the ideal location for developing a flourishing tree. Trusting in the Lord is the only setting in which a flourishing spiritual life can be developed. A tree that is located by the river sends out its roots to take in more and more life-giving water: <i>"which <b>spreads</b> out its <b>roots</b> by the <b>river</b>."</i> The Christian who is hoping in the Lord finds the life his inner man cherishes, and he reaches out for more of that life for which he yearns.</p>
|
|
<p>When the heat of drought comes, it is a dreadful threat to plant life (unless the plant is located beside a sufficient river). When the heat of battle or impossible circumstances arise, they can pose a fearful threat to human beings. Even a child of God is tempted to be anxious. However, if the Lord is our hope, we <i>"will <b>not fear</b> when <b>heat</b> comes…and will <b>not</b> be <b>anxious</b> in the year of <b>drought</b>."</i> Instead, we will continue in growth and spiritual fruitfulness. <i>"Her <b>leaf</b> will be <b>green</b>, and will <b>not</b>…<b>cease</b> from yielding <b>fruit</b>."</i></p>
|
|
<p>What radically different results come from <b>trusting</b> in <b>God</b> (instead of <b>hoping</b> in <b>man</b>). We receive spiritual <b>blessing</b> (instead of a <b>cursing</b>). Our spiritual life is like a <b>luxuriant tree</b> beside a <b>river</b> (instead of like a <b>shrub</b> in the <b>desert</b>). We experience the <b>grace</b> resources of <b>God</b> (instead of the <b>flesh</b> resources of <b>man</b>).</p>
|
|
<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Dear God, I praise You for the abundant grace that flows from You into my heart every time I trust in You. It is blessing beyond measure. Nothing else could ever keep me from fear and anxiety. Nothing less could ever bring growth and fruitfulness in the midst of threatening circumstances. You are my hope day by day, Amen.</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="desc-center">
|
|
<div class="pad2020">
|
|
<a href="./devotions/daybyday/09/0918.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
|
|
<a href="./devotions/daybyday/09/0920.html">Tomorrow's Reading</a>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="return"><a href="./devotions/daybyday/index.html">Return to Day By Day By Grace Page</a>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainFooter.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|