Monday 24th August
Read Jeremiah 5:1
“‘Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
look around and consider,
search through her squares.
If you can find but one person
who deals honestly and seeks the truth,
I will forgive this city.” (NIVUK)
God has challenged Jeremiah to find one righteous person (except for him of course). A scavenger hunt with the fate of Jerusalem on the line! The previous chapter has outlined the impending destruction of Jerusalem. Two verses explain that it is self-inflicted (v18, 22). But is that enough to wipe out a city?
The challenge is therefore put before Jeremiah, to meet a standard easier to meet than that placed before Abraham and Sodom. If you recall that situation, Abraham is horrified at the potential injustice of destroying Sodom and asks if it would be spared if even a few righteous people remained. The countdown lowers, and lowers, God’s grace extending further as Abraham intercedes. Down as far as ten, when Abraham is satisfied that no injustice is likely. Jerusalem will be spared for the sake of one righteous person…
The next verses outline Jeremiah’s search, but we already know that it is futile. God knows His people intimately. Deep down we know each other just as well.
“Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,
no one who does what is right and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) (NIVUK)
But praise God that He stepped in to forgive us through His Son…
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9) (NIVUK)
