Daily Readings & Thought for July 27th. “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO …”

Jeremiah is told (ch.17), “Thus says the LORD” and what the LORD, the eternal God, the Creator of all that exists then tells him – is two things – that are a total contrast to each other!  

First, in v.5, that  “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength  Then in v.7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.” A genuine relationship is indicated here – the foundation of which for those “whose trust is the LORD” – is something more than saying, his trust is “in the LORD.” 

Such a person, obviously both male and female, “is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream …” [v.8]  And what is the stream?  We compare this with the LORD’s words through the prophet Amos, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” [5 v.24]  The meaning of this poetical language is clear: it is to be fulfilled soon!

Back in Jeremiah we are told that all who do this kind of planting become healthy trees and will “not fear when heat comes” at that time “its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought…” [v.8]  We are today living through a severe spiritual drought. The truth of the next verse (9) is in evidence all around us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick …” 

Let us memorise verse 10 – and may it inspire each one of us to live Christ-like lives.  We read, “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”  We ponder the significant word “fruit.”  Soon, the reality of the words, ” Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD” will be evident as their Lord – our Lord (Jesus)  returns to take control of the earth.  And what blessings then follow – beyond present imagining for those who have lived as ”a tree planted by water”!  They will fully experience that the LORD is ” the fountain of living water.”  

Jesus significantly proclaimed on the “last” and “great day” of the feast, ” Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” [John 7 v.38] To which we can add his words in Revelation! ” the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water…, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”  

Yes, “Blessed is the man who…” Let us make sure that includes you and I.