Surprised by Pasture!

I find myself reading through Jeremiah with a fair amount of interest. 

I can't remember exactly how I decided to tackle this Old Testament book.

Nevertheless I revel in the richness it is impressing on my heart and mind and soul. 

God spoke to Jeremiah, giving him Truth to foretell to the people around him. 

God also gave Jeremiah everything he needed to carry the entrusted messages where their exact delivery point. Over and over again God proclaims His judgement with specific details.

The theme that's been impacting me is that following judgement and consequences God declares over and over again that He will restore those who have sat under His wrath. 

In the midst of months and months of intense struggle, for judgement or otherwise, it's quite comforting to know that redemption and restoration were and are part of the bedrock of God's character.

This morning as I was reading I was caught by a subtle yet vital concept recorded for my benefit.

Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, "We are not guilty, for they sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers."  Jeremiah 50:7

Jeremiah reports that the enemies of Israel and Judah counted themselves guiltless in destroying them because they had "sinned against the LORD." That's kind of interesting because it means those outside God's covenant understood its conditions. 

The enemies of God actually stood on His covenant to support their own freedom from guilt in bringing devastation on those with whom God made that covenant. James 2:19 comes to mind.

But the part of that verse that really grabs me is the way these alert opponents go on to describe the relationship of the Creator with His chosen ones. 

the LORD, their true pasture

These rebels recognize that God is meant to be the "true pasture" of His people. 

I am trying to wrap my heart and mind and soul around that concept.

Psalm 23 appears in my memory and I consider the LORD, my Shepherd, as He leads me into green pastures. Could they be the pastures of His presence - lush and bountiful in every way that restores my soul . . . that the personhood of God Almighty is meant to be my peaceful dwelling place?

The LORD is my true pasture.

And so the meditation point for my day is set. 

Will you join me?