July 14, 2011 Rise Up

Rise Up
Read Jeremiah 27 - 30

Jer 30:21 ‘Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’

HEAR the LORD’s words as he proclaims the time for his people at the end of the exile. Note how God will raise up one from within the midst of his people and that this person will be devoted to him.
God invites you to be devoted to him. Yes, the world is in exile, separated from him. God has revealed his law through the prophets, his grace through Jesus, and his knowledge through the Holy Spirit. All of this he has done for you so that you may rise up in devotion to him and bring the lost people home to him.
In response to his passionate grace to save you, grow closer to God. Learn more who he is through the Bible and from others’ experiences with him. In prayer confess your sins and praise him for your blessings. Listen to his teaching. Rise up in the power of God’s Word, and you will find new power and strength in your life. Step in trust into new places in your life to serve others, learn from others and teach others. You will grow into deeper devotion to God.
“Who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?” God asks.
He would like you to answer, “Me, Father, Me! I want to devote my life to you.”
Yes, rise up, you child of God.


Pause and Consider: to whom and what you are devoted. Does God head the list?