In the end....

Sorry we missed you yesterday – we had to take a trip to the Doctors’, but everything is fine….

Jeremiah 5:26-31 "Among my people are wicked men
who lie in wait like men who snare birds
and like those who set traps to catch men.
[27] Like cages full of birds,
their houses are full of deceit;
they have become rich and powerful
[28] and have grown fat and sleek.
Their evil deeds have no limit;
they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it,
they do not defend the rights of the poor.
[29] Should I not punish them for this?"
declares the Lord.
"Should I not avenge myself
on such a nation as this?

[30] "A horrible and shocking thing
has happened in the land:
[31] The prophets prophesy lies,
the priests rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way.
But what will you do in the end?

As we draw our time together in Jeremiah to an end for the moment we find a great question. What will you do in the end? It’s a tough question. Jeremiah’s world seems to be much like ours. There is injustice and oppression of the poor and powerless by those who are better off. The rich are growing fatter at the expense of the poor and it seems that no one is standing up for them. God cries out for those who are faithful to take their side, but who will stand with them? It seems that those who should know better, the religious leaders of the day have in fact become compromised. It’s funny how this repeats itself down through the ages.

But the question remains: What will you do in the end?

Stand up for the poor. Speak out for the marginalised. Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Feed the widows and clothe the fatherless. Become your brother’s keeper. Do not walk by on the other side.

What will you do in the end?