ODJ: passion for people
June 19, 2011
I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding (v.15).
READ: Jeremiah 3:11-22
A woman in her 70s has become a local celebrity in China due to her energetic efforts as a volunteer traffic cop. Granny Cai, as she is affectionately known, risks her life on a daily basis to make sure that both drivers and pedestrians obey the traffic rules on a busy road close to her home. She says, “I am nearing the end of my life and I wanted to do something useful for other people.” You have to admire the good granny’s passion for keeping people safe!
The prophet Jeremiah had a passion for people as well. He faithfully warned and encouraged God’s people in Judah even as the Babylonians crushed the wayward kingdom (Jeremiah 3:8-10). The northern kingdom, Israel, had already been demolished, and now Judah was declining due to their disobedience of God and His commands.
Jeremiah also revealed God’s heart for His people. God wanted them to “come home to Me again” (v.12). He promised one day to give them “shepherds after [His] own heart” to lead them (v.15). He said, “I would love to treat you as My own children!” (v.19). He passionately appealed for His people to repent of their sins and receive His forgiveness.
As the prophet shared God’s heart, he resembled Jesus Christ perhaps more than any other person in the Bible. Among many other similarities, both had a message for God’s people and the world. Both were conscious of their call from God. Both were accused of political treason. Both condemned the priests of their day. Both were tried, persecuted, imprisoned. Both wept over Jerusalem (9:1; Luke 19:41). Both loved Israel and her people deeply.
As followers of Jesus, you and I are called to have a passion for people. Let’s reflect God’s “own heart” as we share the “knowledge and understanding” of His great love for them. —Tom Felten
What prevents you from having a true passion for people? How will you reflect the love of God to others today?
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A true passion for people? Reflect the love of God to others? I guess, just see them through Jesus’ eyes and constantly spend time with God, in devotion.