Nov 07 2007
Brokenness . . . my job or God’s?
I hope you come to this week’s service. I am excited about the passage and the concept that God is leading me through in my study of the passage. I am usually excited about the passage I get to teach but there is something different about this week. Maybe it is the ‘counselor’ in me because I think the words of this week’s passage have a lot to tell us about healthy relationships.
The study this week is from Jeremiah, focusing on Chapter 31 but the story begins in Chapter 28. Throughout Jeremiah’s writings, he challanges the leaders and people of Israel to give up their stiff-necked and prideful ways before it is too late. Eventually though, it is too late. The nations of Israel and Judah are both carried off by warring nations. Not so fun so far, but in the face of all this travail, Jeremiah continues to tell the love story of God. He promises, if the nation repents and responds with brokenness to God, God will restore the nation of Israel by gathering the faithful remnant of God from the corners of the earth bringing them back to the promised land. Very Cool.
 Jeremiah promises a new covenant, but . . . there is a clause.
The claiming of this new covenant, the enjoyment of the new covenant, the blessing of the new covenant . . . are dependent on the brokenness of the people. So this week we are diving into the deep end of the pool of brokenness. What does it look like? Do I have it? Can I share it? Can I do it on my own or does God have to break me?
Final thought, God promises the Kingdom of God to those who are broken. I want the Kingdom - I wonder if I am willing to pay the price.