Day #13 {Monday}

Jeremiah, Chapter 13 & 14

Hello friends!  Today we'll be reading two chapters of Jeremiah.
In order to get all the way through by Easter, there are some days when we'll need to double-up.
I hope you had a great weekend.

Thanks for continuing on in this adventure!

I'll admit, Jeremiah continues to be a challenge to me. There is a whole lot of judgment and anger going on in God, and sometimes it leaves me very troubled and confused.  But I'm really glad to have this special time to explore this book with other people.  I'm thankful for the freedom to ask questions, be challenged, and find hope.

I've decided that after this Lenten project - maybe we could all read one of the Gospels together? Want to?  That would be fun! One chapter a day of different books!  I'd love that!

Today's reflection questions:

#1:  A lot of intense verses today.  In fact, I thought chapter 13 was terrible.  Verses 25-27 are perhaps the most graphic, hurtful image of God I've ever seen.  Up to this point, I was really trying to figure out where God was coming from.  Lately I have been wrestling with the idea that perhaps the book of Jeremiah is a combination of God's perspective and the honest reflections of human beings.  I cannot imagine a God who would knowingly shame and punish people in such a graphic way.  But I think people were in such pain and suffering at the time, that they could think of no other way to make sense of it.

That being said - Jeremiah contains one of the most beloved verses in Scripture (29:11) - and I can't wait to get there and savor those words of promise.   How are you wrestling with these more troubling passages? I am more thankful than ever for the New Testament!

#2:  I found 14:9 to be hopeful: "You, O Lord, are in the midst of us."  I also enjoyed 14:22: "We set our hope on you."  What verses are filling you with hope?

Today's bonus verses of love from the New Testament book of Philippians, verses 4-7:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.