Jeremiah was a prophet with a serious job — warning the people of Judah that destruction was around the corner. In short, they needed to return to God’s ways. Jeremiah did not hold punches. Judah was in a sinful state, and he called them out. Then, in chapter 31, Jeremiah begins to drop some good news. There is hope — God can handle this.

What’s the deal here? You mess up, and you get yours, right? Isn’t that justice? God is certainly just, but Jeremiah calls for God’s mercy. Mercy is when you get a break when you don’t deserve it. Judah did not deserve mercy, but Jeremiah cries out for it anyway.

In Matthew, Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” How are you doing on the mercy meter? Is it time to stop thinking about getting even and to start thinking about offering mercy to others?

By Bill Ogletree from D365