SWHW Bible Reading Plan: June 2021Sample

Top Takeaway From Alonda Tanner:

Can we talk about God's kindness for a moment? It may seem a bit out of place given the dynamics of today's reading, but I promise to connect the dots if you stick with me. I was studying Paul's letter to the Roman church a while back, and while reading Jeremiah 34-36, one particular verse from Romans came to mind. Romans 2:4, 

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” 

Sometimes we get off track in our relationship with God. 

We get complacent about the gospel. 

We get so comfortable in God's grace that we stop doing the work of pursuing a love relationship with Him.

That's the state of Israel in Jeremiah Chapters 34-36. God had given His people a standard to live by. Some days they nailed it. Many days they stumbled. Then there are the days they chose not to care about God's standard. They wanted to do things their own way without any thought as to the consequences.

Did they understand that their sin grieved God's heart? 

Did they forget that it's sin that separates us from God? 

Do we remember these things in our own walks with the Lord? 

Here's the kicker though, the thing that really has me in awe of God's kindness. God had every right to deal with the Israelites justly and severely. The people were not sinning out of ignorance. They were intentionally defiant. 

God could have wiped them out, and it would not have been wrong, but He didn't. Instead of pouring out judgment, which would have been justified, He convicted them. He reminded them of the covenant they had made with Him when He established their freedom from the Egyptians (Jeremiah 34:9) and gave them an opportunity to right their wrongs.

God showed them the kindness that leads to repentance. 

Unfortunately, the repentance was short-lived. The people went back to doing their own thing, and God did bring both judgment and justice to Israel. But His kindness, His grace, and His correction – those gifts came first. They are evidence of God's love for us. 

A common lie the devil tries to plant in our hearts is that if sin were as dangerous to our relationship with God as we think, He would deal with it right away. We would see immediate consequences. If God hasn't dealt with it yet, it must not be that bad. That couldn't be further from the truth! His restraint is not to be confused with His approval. 

God sees how sin pollutes life. It takes from our ability to love Him, love people, and walk in the identity He's given us. Still, rather than destroying life, He seeks to redeem it. He is patient, giving us time to hear His voice, accept His conviction, and change course. This pattern is set all throughout Scripture. I bet if you look at your life, you'll see it there, too. 

It's out of kindness that God convicts us. Out of love, He corrects us. He wants us to know the fullness of life and freedom in Him. His kindness makes a way. 

God, You are so good. Today I received a reality check. I was reminded of one of the most beautiful reasons I should be thankful that Your ways are not my ways. I was reminded of how deep and wide and patient and enduring Your love is. I know sin grieves You. I know the consequences of it are heavy and painful. You have every right to judge sin right here and right now, yet You restrain Yourself with the hope that Your love and kindness will lead us back to You. I'm overwhelmed by Your love. God, when I hear Your Spirit convicting me, help me remember it's Your kindness at work. Teach me to treasure Your conviction and to respond appropriately, with humility and sincerity, always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.