Why?

We are going to jump into our study of Promises in the word of God with one of my favorites:

Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not!  Jeremiah 33:3

The context of promises deepens our understanding of when to appropriate them!  This particular promise is especially heartwarming to any who have asked God, “Why?” for it is God‘s reply to just such a question.  Jeremiah, like many Bible greats, often asked God for understanding.  The ways of God are beyond human intellect and reasoning.  Humble whys do not offend the Lord.

At the time of this promise, the city of Jerusalem was under siege, and Jeremiah was in captivity.  God laid it on Jeremiah’s heart to buy property in a city just north of Jerusalem.  It was not a decision a financial investor would advise.  Nonetheless, Jeremiah obeyed, but he asked God to help him understand.  As servants of the Lord, we can expect to find ourselves in just such situations.

The message Jeremiah had been giving was one of future hope.  He shared the message God gave to him--the covenant God had made with Abraham was secure.  The descendants of Abraham remained the chosen people.  Despite the Nation's present experience of consequences for sin, the covenant was not broken.   The reality the chosen people were enduring was not the end of the story.  Jeremiah faithfully reminded weary and faltering hearts:  NOTHING is too hard for the Lord.  So, God presented Jeremiah with an opportunity to show confidence in the words he preached: redeem family property in the disputed territory.   God created a real world occasion for Jeremiah to put his faith in action--to let the Israelites see faith and not just hear of it.

Those opportunities do not come with a banner announcing their great potential.  They usually show up with a sign that says ‘for fools only.’  Our lives must bear out the truths we say we believe.  Words alone are useless…sometimes destructive.  God orchestrates our lives to give substance to those things we believe.  His Word is solid; the lies we believe will always collapse.  The hand of God reaches down to lift us every time we fall, but stepping forward with confidence in His promises keeps us on safe ground!

Jeremiah stepped forward in faith--but he asked God why it had to be that way.  God answered with our promise verse, saying ask me and I’ll show you some great and mighty things.  Humbly asking why is an invitation for God to reveal Himself.  Arrogant whys are another devotion topic!   Jeremiah came to God recognizing who He is and how He operates and God responded!  He will do the same for us.  As Christians, we have received an inheritance--an eternal, glorious inheritance. Humble obedience--faith-filled actions based on His Word--allows us to enter in to the Promised Land.  Sometimes we must choose what seems to be contrary to earthly sense so God can reveal more of Himself to us.  Claim that promise today!