August 23

Jeremiah 46-48
God pronounces judgment on Moab because she trusted in her deeds and her riches.  As Christians, we have no problem understanding the Lord’s disgust in those who trust in their riches.  On the other hand, we are often guilty of trusting in our deeds.  For all our talk about grace, we often judge others based upon what they have done or not done, pridefully taking comfort in our own righteousness, the good deeds we have accomplished.  If this were not so, there would not be so many different sects.  Our divisions are primarily caused by pride.  Each group believes they are doing what the Lord requires, while those who don’t agree with them are not doing what God wants.  In so doing, we are as guilty as Moab.  In essence, we are trusting in our deeds.  God has always desired our complete trust in Him.  It is His deeds that accomplish our righteousness.  It is His deeds that bring about our salvation.  He is the one responsible for any good thing we enjoy.  The Lord is the only judge.  If we would remember this important fact, and trust in the work He has accomplished, instead of our own works, we just might see a more unified church, and we would certainly be better able to fulfill that most important of all commands, loving God and loving each other!