Jeremiah put everything into perspective.
“The Lord says, ‘What sorrow awaits Jehoiakim, who builds his palace with forced labor. He builds injustice into its walls, for he makes his neighbors work for nothing. He does not pay them for their labor. The Lord says, ‘I will build a magnificent palace with huge rooms and many windows. I will panel it throughout with fragrant cedar and paint it a lovely red.’” But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!” (Jeremiah 22:13-16, NLT).
Greatness is not determined by what we have, hold, and cherish, especially if obtained through dishonesty. Heartbreak hotel is where those end up who use other people as a means to an end. Their motto is “Use people, love things.”
Jehoiakim’s father, Josiah, had a different perspective. His motto was “Use things, love people.”
“Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him. He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. ‘Isn’t that what it means to know me?’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 22:13-16, NLT).
What It Means to Know God
God asked, “Isn’t this what it means to know me?” Yes! Doing justly, helping the poor and needy—this prepares us to be recognized by God in the judgment. Those who do not live this way will hear the frightful words, “Depart from Me, I do not know you.”
Do you want to know God? Then, be just. Be kind to others, especially those who are disadvantaged, poor, and vulnerable. Share your wealth. Have a tender heart. Love as Jesus loved—without bigotry, favoritism, or price.
If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy How Do I Know I’m Loved by God? | Knowing God Personally
Rich DuBose writes from Northern California.
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