Walking In Abundance Or Lack?

Walking in Abundance or Lack? Text: Jeremiah 17: 5-8

In academic circles a favorite type of question to ask in an exam or an essay starts with the words ‘compare and contrast’. The task is to discuss the differences and similarities between two different ideas or situations, to show where they are the same and where they are different. Here, in Jeremiah 17:5-8, two different types of people are considered, they are seen in stark contrast, they have very few similarities, apart from the fact that they both trust in something.

5 Thus says the LORD: “ Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. 7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

The folly of trusting in humans is contrasted with the wisdom of trusting in the Lord. The families of Judah were committed to Baal worship. Here, Right now, in this house of worship every person is dedicated to something. Some are calling this day and time the most trying, difficult and desperate years, but for those who trust in the Lord will be blessed!

Remember, right after Jesus was confirmed by baptism. He was lead by Spirit into the desert. There, He was tested. A test is given so the teacher and the tested one (the student) can have knowledge of what they have learned.

In this day of greed, self-indulgence and gluttony God’s cry is for the heart of man to turn toward Him! He’ll provide plenty of rich soil, abundant water, and just the right amount of water!

Jeremiah 17:1-2 TM "Judah’s sin is engraved with a steel chisel, A steel chisel with a diamond point— engraved on their granite hearts, engraved on the stone corners of their altars. The evidence against them is plain to see: sex-and-religion altars and sacred sex shrines Anywhere there’s a grove of trees, anywhere there’s an available hill.

A stonemason used an iron chisel or a diamond point to permanently inscribe images and texts on stones. Idol worship had so hardened the thoughts, emotions, and will of the people that it seemed impossible for them to change.

Listen to Jeremiah 17: 4 NLT The wonderful possession I have reserved for you will slip from your hands. I will tell your enemies to take you as captives to a foreign land. For my anger blazes like a fire that will burn forever.”

Verse 5-6 of the text, those who trust in the flesh and mere men are cursed. Verse 6. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.

In this day of uncertainty who will place their total trust in God? The choice is clear, be stunted or flourish! A desert shrub means of survival is to extract moisture from the air and in return it feeds itself! (It barely survives)

Jeremiah 17: 7-8 TM But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers— Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.

Those who trust in the Lord will have #1. Abundant resources! Vs. 8 says you will be well-watered.

A while back I was talking to a man that had put up over hundred areas of land as collateral for a line of credit. The mineral rights alone were worth millions of dollars. The credit line was for 2 million dollars. The mineral rights 21 million!

As you stay steady and faithful Gods going to tap into your resources!

In Matthew 6:19-21TM Jesus said, "Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse! —stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

Those who trust in the Lord, #2. Will have new growth! (Full bloom!)

Psalm 1:1-3NKJ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.