Daily Devotional for November 3, 2015
Jeremiah 22
Scripture:
13 “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his countrymen work for nothing, not paying them for their labor.
14 He says, ‘I will build myself a great palace with spacious upper rooms.’ So he makes large windows in it, panels it with cedar and decorates it in red.
15 “Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him.
16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the LORD.
Observation:
The phrase Less is More definitely has situational application. For instance, when you are considering how much time you will spend with others, I think your wife, kids, or friends would agree that less is not more. I also think, as it relates to spending quality time with the Lord, less is not more. Don’t miss understand, I am a believer in quality over quantity. For instance, I am sure my wife would prefer 15 minutes of face to face conversation over simply sitting in the same room and watching television for 30 minutes. However, with all things being equal, I am sure she would prefer 15 minutes of conversation over 2 minutes of conversation.
On the other hand, there are times when the Less is More concept is beneficial. This chapter illustrates that the desire for personal gains and unjustly obtaining more stuff will cause calamity in your life. The true desire of your heart is the most important item for your consideration. When the conversation is about the desire to obtain more things, less is definitely more. I watched a television show the other day where they were evaluating new cars. It didn’t take me long to begin thinking, “ooh, I what that one.” I reminded myself that my purpose in life is not to drive a nicer car, but to honor God with what He has given me. Being content with what the Lord has given you is an active illustration of Less is More. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t keep growing. It does mean that our focus and desire should be on the Lord and His purposes and not on acquiring more things.
Application:
- Personal Application: As men we often compare ourselves to others through the lens of what car he drives, how much money he makes and so on. We must guard our hearts from the trap of trying to build a kingdom of personal property as a form of identity. This passage is challenging us to do what is right and just (vs 15) in all things with all people, especially the poor and needy (vs 16). Being financially responsible will enable us to help others when the time comes. Put your focus on the Lord and serving Him and in God’s timing and in God’s purposes, all will go well with you (vs 15).
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Remind them that material gains are not what makes a person great. It’s the Lord’s presence in their life and their ability to serve Him is what makes a person great. Explain the importance of keeping their eyes focused on the Lord and serving him wholeheartedly. Encourage them, as an expression of God’s presence in their life, to watch for times to do what is right and just (vs. 15). Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask the Lord to help you keep your eyes focused on Him and His purposes and not on the selfish gains in this world. Ask the Lord to help you stay content with what He has given you.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will continue to see God’s hand in their life as they continue to do what is right and just.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, November 1 – Sunday, November 8:
- Sunday, November 1: Jeremiah 20
- Monday, November 2: Jeremiah 21
- Tuesday, November 3: Jeremiah 22
- Wednesday, November 4: Jeremiah 23
- Thursday, November 5: Jeremiah 24
- Friday, November 6 Jeremiah 25
- Saturday, November 7: Jeremiah 26
- Sunday, November 8: Jeremiah 27
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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