As God’s children, we are called to live in the holiness of God. How and why are we to do it? Such is Peter’s instruction, which serves as yet another reminder of the grace of God. Our holy God has indeed called us to holy living, but it is something made possible by our holy Redeemer.

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Chapters 42-44 conclude the historical narrative section of the book of Jeremiah, and what we find are a series of bad decisions. Instead of finally submitting themselves to the will of God for them, the Jewish remnant continues to rebel, and they make things all the worse. It was as if they went from the proverbial frying pan into the fryer…all because they refused to trust God.

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There isn’t any question that we will have trials. How will we handle them? Does being a Christian help us today when we face these troubles today? The Bible tells us: yes. We have Jesus, and we find that our Jesus is enough. Jesus is so good that He gets us through everything else.

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In its last days, despite all of Jeremiah’s warnings, Jerusalem fell, and the kingdom of Judah was destroyed. It looked as if things couldn’t have gotten worse. Yet even in this, God did not abandon them. He held onto His people because of His covenant promise and His grace. All they needed to do was trust Him.

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As Simon Peter opens what we know as the 1st of his letters, he delves into the subject of salvation. As he does, he goes to such depths as we might ask: “What more can we say than what has already been said?” God’s gift to us of our salvation is so wonderful, so glorious – it is like an intricately cut diamond that always reveals new facets as light is shone upon it.

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Surely Jeremiah did not desire a prison ministry, but it was thrust upon him as God used it to continually reach out to a wayward king. Sadly, Zedekiah refused God’s mercy till the very end, causing the unnecessary suffering of his family and his people…all because of a lack of surrendered faith. Don’t wait; surrender to the Lord!

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As James closes his letter, he once again issues a call to action. Biblical Christianity is not do-nothing; it is do-something. These acts of faith have actual benefits to those who practice them. Real Christianity makes a real impact upon real Christians…the key is for us to intentionally do it.

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How do God’s people respond to God’s word? In ancient Judah, some had a right response; others (like the king) rejected it outright. God’s word did not change; what changed was the response of the people hearing it. What will be your response to the word of God?

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There are right ways and wrong ways for Christians to handle our wealth and opportunities. We need to be warned against the wrong so we can do what is right, all to the glory of God.

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Humility isn’t merely a nice concept; it is essential practice for the Christian. We cannot be those who merely give lip-service to humility; we must be those who live it out…just as did our Lord Jesus.

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