Resting Where the Word Gives Life
19 Thus said the Lord to me: “Go and stand in the People’s Gate, by which the kings of Judah enter and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem, 20 and say: ‘Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who enter by these gates. 21 Thus says the Lord: Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers. 23 Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.
Jeremiah 17:19-23
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Resting Where the Word Gives Life
Jeremiah is sent to the gates of Jerusalem to call God’s people back to the Word. The heart of the command is not mere outward rule-keeping, but trusting the Lord who gives rest. The people were tempted to carry on business as usual, even on the day set apart for hearing God’s Word. This command protects faith: when the Word is neglected, the heart grows restless and idolatrous. So it is with us. We are no different. We fill our days, even Sundays, with what we think we must do, and we forget that life is received, not achieved. Christ Himself enters our restlessness. He bears our burden of disobedience to God’s Word at the cross, and by His resurrection He gives true Sabbath rest. In Him, we are forgiven and freed to hear, receive, and rest in His promises for our salvation.
Jeremiah 17:19-23
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Resting Where the Word Gives Life
Jeremiah is sent to the gates of Jerusalem to call God’s people back to the Word. The heart of the command is not mere outward rule-keeping, but trusting the Lord who gives rest. The people were tempted to carry on business as usual, even on the day set apart for hearing God’s Word. This command protects faith: when the Word is neglected, the heart grows restless and idolatrous. So it is with us. We are no different. We fill our days, even Sundays, with what we think we must do, and we forget that life is received, not achieved. Christ Himself enters our restlessness. He bears our burden of disobedience to God’s Word at the cross, and by His resurrection He gives true Sabbath rest. In Him, we are forgiven and freed to hear, receive, and rest in His promises for our salvation.
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2026
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