Daily Dose of Hope

December 24, 2024

Day 3 of Week 39

Scripture: Jeremiah 1-4; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 9

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan. It’s Christmas Eve! I’m hoping to see at least most of you tonight at one of our New Hope Christmas Eve services. The family-oriented service is at 5pm and the traditional service with full choir is at 7pm.

For our Old Testament Scripture today, we begin the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was a major prophet that began his time of ministry in Judah under King Josiah. If you recall, Josiah was a good king, determined to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. In many ways, this was a good time for Jeremiah to start his time of prophecy. He was protected in so many ways. That didn’t stop him from being a reluctant prophet. Look at how many times he uses his youth as a reason for not responding to God’s call.

We are all called by God to do something. Maybe we haven’t been called to prophecy (or maybe we have), but I guarantee God has something in mind for you. It may even be something hard. What excuses have you used? I’m too young, I’m too old, I’m too tired, I’m too busy, I’m too unprepared. There are so many. But if God calls, he will equip. Eventually Jeremiah relents and begins his 40-year ministry as a prophet of God.

Let’s move into chapters 2 and 3. Keep in mind that God often refers to Judah and Jerusalem as Israel in the book of Jeremiah, though the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians roughly 100 years before Jeremiah’s work as a prophet. God refers to Judah and Jerusalem as representing all of Israel because by this time, it did. Through Jeremiah, God recalls the past relationship he had with Israel, which is now dissolving. He is horribly upset by Israel’s sin and idolatry. In chapter 3, you will see how Israel is compared to a prostitute, as she gives herself to many gods.

In chapter 4, we read about a call to repentance. Will God’s people change their ways? The rest of the chapter details the destruction that will occur if they do not. More on that tomorrow.

Psalm 130 is another psalm of ascent, which the Jewish pilgrims sang as they made their way into Jerusalem for the various required festivals. It’s a beautiful psalm, promising the hope and redemption that comes with walking closely to the Lord.

Our New Testament passage is 2 Corinthians 9. In this chapter, Paul is continuing his discussion on giving. Paul is trying to rouse some enthusiasm amongst the Corinthian believers on the topic of giving, specifically giving to the destitute believers in Jerusalem. They were initially very interested and enthusiastic but apparently, they haven't followed through on their commitments.

Today’s chapter leads to some interesting thoughts. You reap what you sow, not just with material resources but also in other ways. This idea is found throughout Scripture but most notably in Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:38, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

But it also suggests that giving is an individual decision of the heart. We don't give for public recognition but to please God and demonstrate his love to others. God doesn't want us to give out of a sense of obligation but truly out of a kind and generous heart. All we have comes from God, we are simply giving a portion back to God's work in this world. Finally, Paul is suggesting that when we give to God's work, we will be blessed. God will ensure that our needs are met. Notice Paul doesn't say that our wants will be fulfilled but rather our needs. We will have what we need to be content. What does it take for you to be content? Do you give with a cheerful heart?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope