For, as close as the loincloth clings to a man's loins, so had I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD; to be my people, my renown, my praise, my beauty. But they did not listen. - Jeremiah 13:11
Friends,
God is good all the time
Whether they are family, friends, or colleagues in the workplace, school, church, or neighborhood, tight-knit people bond together for mutual benefits. They love to visit with one another and enjoy the company. God’s Word makes it manifest that our relationship with God should not be different; it must be actively expressed and available for mutual benefit.
It is just striking to know how available God is to us. Gaze at the sky and you are reminded of God’s presence. Turn to the left or right to look for God and there He is. He is with us, so close to us. In a somewhat rare image of a loincloth, God compares His closeness to His people. He tells Jeremiah, "For as close as the loincloth clings to a man's loins, so had I made the whole house of Israel and the entire house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD; to be my people, my renown, my praise, my beauty" ( Jer 13:11).
Today, because of Jesus Christ, we all embody and manifest these special designations of bing God's
people,
renown,
praise, and
beauty
People- Remember that you even belong to something that is loftier than "people." You share in the ultimate adoption as children with Jesus Christ "according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph 1:5). It is the ultimate irreversible truth about all of us.
Renown-God is so proud of your relationship with Him; His intention for you is awesome and phenomenal; it is to have your back and an uplifting plan for you. You have a reputation as a believer and a child of God, which is something you should hold on to.
Praise- God created us to be the expression of His praise in the world. He made each person a wonderfully no one-like-you individual. Be aware that you are recognized and watched over by the eyes of the Lord. You are His image and likeness, and your very existence as His handiwork constitutes the praise of God.
Beauty- God made us to reflect His divine beauty. All God's children share in the beauty and harmony of universal creation. St. Augustine reminds us that our God is truthful, good, and beautiful.
So, anyone can plug into God as the source of a meaningful life, harmony, and peace for personal and family benefits. But how many people are willing to do that today?
Prayer blessing: Lord, I will tell of your name to my sisters and brothers; amid the people I will praise your faithfulness, kindness, and plans for my life.