Saturday 5th September
Read Jeremiah 6:21-26
“Therefore this is what the Lord says:
‘I will put obstacles before this people.
Parents and children alike will stumble over them;
neighbours and friends will perish.’
22This is what the Lord says:
‘Look, an army is coming
from the land of the north;
a great nation is being stirred up
from the ends of the earth.
23 They are armed with bow and spear;
they are cruel and show no mercy.
They sound like the roaring sea
as they ride on their horses;
they come like men in battle formation
to attack you, Daughter Zion.’
24 We have heard reports about them,
and our hands hang limp.
Anguish has gripped us,
pain like that of a woman in labour.
25 Do not go out to the fields
or walk on the roads,
for the enemy has a sword,
and there is terror on every side.
26 Put on sackcloth, my people,
and roll in ashes;
mourn with bitter wailing
as for an only son,
for suddenly the destroyer
will come upon us.” (NIVUK)
Jeremiah pulls our focus back again to the foe from the north and the inexorable judgment about to fall on God’s people (v22-25), immediately after the image of a stumbling block placed before the people (v21).
The stumbling block imagery is well used and known, from David through Isaiah to Jeremiah and Jesus. Ultimately, just as Jesus is the One in whom those who walk the right way will find rest for their souls (v16), so too is He the One against whom those who walk in darkness will stumble (cf 1 Peter 2).
As we reflect Jesus to the world around us, but particularly in community with each other, let us strive to not cause others to stumble and fall into judgment. Let us walk as Jesus walked.
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (Romans 14:13) (NIVUK).
