The book of Jeremiah is
disaster literature. Jeremiah’s
Jerusalem was besieged and destroyed by the Babylonians and the People were exiled
from the Land God had promised. The
disaster was theological, political and physical all at once. In the midst of this, Jeremiah offers words
from God. He does not bring promise of
warriors, or kings, or even builders. He
promises shepherds: basic care for a pilgrim people with nowhere to lay their
heads. It’s smaller than you think:
humbler.
Six
hundred years later, Jesus will be asked what the Kingdom of God is like. Will it be about might and power? Will it overthrow Roman rule? No.
The Kingdom of God is like a woman… kneeding bread… finding a single
lost coin.
Jeremiah
dreams of a day when all nations will be found streaming to Jerusalem. The Ark of the Covenant will no long be a
center of devotion because the whole of Jerusalem will be holy. Holiness will not be found in an artifact of
the past, but in a living community, honoring God’s name and experiencing His
presence. It’s broader than you think:
humbler.
Twenty-six
hundred years later, are we living the dream?
There are some amazingly beautiful centers of devotion in the Christian
world (and beyond!). But the fullness of
the Christian faith is found on this ambo, on this altar, on these pews. The world’s hurting, but it’s not streaming
to us. That’s why we’re sent out. Give them shepherds.
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