Too Hard?
Today’s Verse:
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? ~Jeremiah 32:27
The word “hard” is synonymous with difficult, tough, onerous, and not easy. We use this word to describe a project or task that we feel is beyond our ability, or someone else’s ability, to do. An eighth grader just learning algebra might say that trying to learn calculus is too hard. A construction worker who is adept at using hand tools might say trying to do professional work is too hard. God heard the concern in the voice of Jeremiah and asked him, “Is there any thing too hard for me?” That’s our question this morning: is there anything too hard for the Lord?
We see the captivity.
It was the eighteenth year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Many of the inhabitants of Jerusalem were taken captive into Babylon. Those left behind at Jerusalem were living in poverty conditions with the city walls burned down and lying in ruin. The temple had been burned down. Real estate was very depressed. Just a few weeks earlier, God told the people taken captive to buy land and homes in Babylon and let their sons and daughters marry. The Jews had accepted the harsh reality that their chastening from God would be for a long time. No one expected them to return to Jerusalem and see its restoration any time soon. We must remember that situations that we feel captive to do not restrain God from doing what pleases Him.
We see the command.
In that eighteenth year, God told Jeremiah to buy a field in his hometown of Ananoth, for the right of redemption was given to him. As soon as this command came to Jeremiah, his cousin Hanameel came to him to request him to buy the field. Jeremiah knew that this was the word of the Lord. He consummated the purchase with the exact payment, the sealed and opened evidence, and witnesses to the transaction. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We must keep God’s commands no matter what circumstance we are in or how difficult things might be. The test of obedience will always accompany the test of our faith.
We see the concern.
Jeremiah reacts by acknowledging God’s greatness in His power, Person, and counsel. However, he is thinking: “Is there really a future for my people? Will You really bring the people back? Are You really that merciful? Is it possible that we will possess our land and build homes once again?” Do you feel like there are things in your life that God cannot change or God cannot do? You acknowledge that He is great, but you think, “I’m not sure God can do this for me.”
We see the confirmation.
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” God answered Jeremiah with a statement, followed by a question. He affirmed His authority: “I am the Lord, the God of all flesh.” Then, He asked, “Is there any thing too hard for me?” Is it too hard for God to save a sinner? Is it too hard for God to sustain us by His grace? Is it too hard for God to revive His people again? Is it too hard for God to heal someone whom the doctors have given up on? Is it too hard for God to answer our prayers? The answer is, “No!” There is nothing too hard for God! “Let God be true, but every man a liar.” “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered.” We must not allow our little faith to stand in the way of God’s power to work. Too hard for you and me? Yes! Too hard for God? No! Have faith in God.
Have a faith-enriched God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 33-35