Leading up to Easter, I didn't give up anything, mainly because I knew I'd fail. I pat myself on the back for just managing to get all 4 of my kids' teeth brushed twice each day (that is the teeth of my 4 kids, not their 4 teeth -- collectively they have like 87 teeth), so no way was I up for anything even semi-complicated this Lenten season! But I have been trying to focus on things that draw me closer to God, what makes me know Him more? Those are the things I want to spend my time on, those are the priorities for my life right now when earthly life is so full and trends towards busy. Everything cannot be done. So what is important?
In my search for advice on how to know God more, I found Jeremiah 22:16 and read it with fresh eyes.
Jeremiah 22:16 in 5 different versions of the Bible: (Why 5 different versions? Because I don't want anyone - and by anyone, I mean me - to blame the wording on the translation. It's the same message, in black and white.)
New International Version: "He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD. Jer 22:16
New Living Translation: "He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn't that what it means to know me?" says the LORD. Jer 22:16
English Standard Version: "He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me?" declares the LORD. Jer 22:16
New American Standard Bible: "He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; Then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?" Declares the LORD. Jer 22:16
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.): He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD. Jer 22:16
I truly believe we don't hear this message enough as Christians, but it is no secret, God is telling us right here, how to know Him. The poor and the needy.
Convicted. Again.
Re-evaluating how we spend our money and our time. Again.
Find more Thankful Thursday here.
This is something worth reflecting, something that we Christians often forget.... the poor and the needy... may it be spiritually or materially.
ReplyDeleteCollectively, they have 87 teeth... lol! :) Like your post :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Lord! We do need to know you more intimately... We need to hear your voice. God Bless you this Easter Season :)
ReplyDeletea sweet post! :) have a blessed Easter!
ReplyDeletei chuckled when i read about the 87 teeth. haha! i enjoyed this post.
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