5TH WEEK OF LENT

He has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked! 

Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah spent his life grieving over Jerusalem and Judah, even as he warned them of the coming punishment for their sins. For generations, Israel had disobeyed God’s commandments and worshipped other gods. Time after time, God sent messengers to call his people to repent, but for the most part, they ignored these warnings. Now time was running out, and it was up to Jeremiah to give them one final warning.

Needless to say, Jeremiah was not very popular. He endured ridicule and even physical abuse for his efforts. Yet in the face of such persecution, he still proclaimed that God rescues those who call on him.

Doesn’t this seem like a contradiction? But perhaps Jeremiah was describing a different kind of rescuing. God’s rescue wasn’t the obliteration of all his problems. It didn’t mean his physical safety or that Judah would turn back to God. But it did mean that the Lord would preserve Jeremiah and strengthen him to continue preaching an unpopular message. Like the psalmist, Jeremiah could proclaim, “The Lord . . . heard my voice” because even in the midst of trouble, he finds grace to persevere (Psalm 18:7).

Just as he did for Jeremiah, God will rescue us and sustain us even through our most difficult circumstances. His “rescuing” gives us the strength to endure and the faith to trust him. Whether he provides a moment of peace when anxiety is overwhelming or the power to carry on when a family member is struggling with his health, God is there to lift us up.

This happens in small and big ways—and we may not see it except in hindsight. God may use a Scripture verse or a conversation with a friend to comfort us. A walk outside may refresh our spirit, or a moment of clarity may give us wisdom. God is present in all these ways.

Whatever you are facing today, you can call on the Lord. Bring your concerns to him, and ask him to intervene. Whether his answer comes in obvious or subtle ways, whether it comes immediately or later, you can be sure that the Lord has heard you and that he is with you.

“Lord, hear my prayer today. Rescue me in your love.”

Psalm 18:2-7
John 10:31-42
Jeremiah 20:10-13