Read Jeremiah 4:1-2. Exodus 19:5-6
As we’ve already said many times repentance is not a popular topic. Many churches do not preach repentance and steer clear of any talk of sin or transgression. Love is the order of the day but it’s not a love that comes through
But in 4:1-2 we see again the call to repent and to return to the Lord together with an interesting parallel. God calls the nation of Israel to repentance, to return to Himself and to worship Him as the only true and living God. God calls the people to put away their lifeless idols and to worship only Him, the only true and living God.
In verse 2, the outcome or blessing of that repentance is given to us. And it’s not what we expect! As Israel repents, the nations will be blessed and they will glory in Him.
Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation ministering God and God’s blessings to the entire world. See Exodus 19:5-6. But the nation, as we’ve seen, turned from this purpose and pursued its own purposes. Israel soon turned away from God. And yet we see God’s gracious and loving character displayed again. God’s promise in verse 2 is that if the nation were to repent and return to the Lord, He would restore her original purpose and bring it to fruition.
The church of the New Testament has the same goal given to it as did the nation of Israel. Even though the church is not a nation, we are called to be making disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus clearly lays out the plan for us.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We can only anticipate that the same condition applies to us as did to Israel. If the church indulges in sin and worship of idols and statues or even pastors, buildings and finances, then it cannot expect to be used by God for its original purpose. A big church is not necessarily a biblical church and a small church is not necessarily an unbiblical church.
But as the church repents and returns to the Lord we can expect to see that original purpose fulfilled and many many people turning to God and glorying in Him. We can expect Jesus to fulfil His promise to be with us always as we seek to take the Great Commission out into the world.
Prayer Points:
Using today’s Bible passage and reading notes spend time in adoration, confession, thanks and supplication.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
· Pray that the churches in your city/region would be taking the Great Commission seriously and that many people would come into the Kingdom as together we all seek to be making disciples of all nations.
· Pray for the work of the Myanmar Reformed Bible College in Yangon as it seeks to train up ministers to make disciples. Pray that the students learn well and are thoroughly equipped to be making disciples of all nations. Ask God to provide for the college all the resources it needs to do the work given to it by the Lord.
1. Where does the Great Commission sit in your own personal life? How much importance do you give it?
2. Where does the Great Commission sit in your church? How much importance does your church give it?
3. How can a church that has lost its way make the Great Commission its driving force once again?
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