Contention

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 2

Scripture Focus: Therefore I still contend with you, declares the Lord, and with your children's children I will contend.  (Jeremiah 2.9)

Devotional Thought: I love watching my kids raise their kids.  We recently spent a week together on a family vacation at Lake Cumberland, Kentucky.  It was an intense week of total immersion in child-rearing.  Whew!  It wore me out.  More than once I witnessed my children contending with their children.  It wasn't easy for the parents or the kids, but I thank God for this contending.  I love my grandchildren and want them to know what is right.

In Jeremiah 2, God's people had wandered from the right path.  They had started out devoted to God but somehow had lost their way.  Finding them in that condition, God said, “I contend with you and with your children’s children.”

Thank God for his contention!  He is not willing for us to perish without giving us every possible opportunity to choose righteousness.  He will not choose for us, but he has already chosen us!  So, he contends with us.  The Bible says that the Holy Spirit comes to bring conviction for sin and righteousness and judgment.  Without that conviction, there is no way we could come to God and be saved.  The grace of God that enables us to come to him is called ‘prevenient grace’ or the grace that goes before.

Sometimes, God contends with us through circumstances that force us to stop and evaluate.  He allowed Joseph to be sold as a slave.  He sent Israel into captivity.  He struck Paul blind.  Through it all, God was contending with them.

Thank God for his contention!

Prayer: Father, you have loved me with an undying love.  For that I am eternally grateful.  And in your love, Lord, you contend with me.  It's not pleasant.  It's not easy going through.  But, it brings me to Truth, to you.  Thank you!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 106.1-5

1 Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise?

3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!

4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them,

5 that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.