Jeremiah 17 ( again).. Before I leave this chapter I have been drawn back to verse 7 "Blessed is the man who trusts (båtach) who trusts in the Lord and whose trust (mibtach) is the Lord."  

The first "trust" is a verb.. an action.. to "hie for refuge"; to take a bold and confident hope in the Lord.  The second "trust" is a noun.. a place.. a refuge; a place of assurance and security.   This  is the difference between a man who has looked for refuge or assurance from other men... or from himself.. and a person who runs to the Father "again and again and again"( as the chorus goes..)  When we make a decision to trust the Lord.. to turn to Him and put all our hope in Him.. we find that He IS a place where we can find hope and security.. He is our Trust.  He is our shelter; our refuge; our Rock.  He is faithful and will not fail!  Praise the Lord!

The last part of chapter 17, starting at verse 19 is the Lord offering Judah a chance to at least do one thing to show respect for His commands.. " Take heed for yourselves and do not carry any load on the sabbath day or bring anything in through the gates of Jerusalem.. "  If Judah would only listen and obey this ONE commandment.. to honor God by keeping the Sabbath.. God would restore them.. "then there will come in through the gates of this city kings and princes sitting on the throne of David.. "  The city would once again be filled with the offerings and sacrifices and thanksgiving from the people across the land. 

"But if you do not listen to Me to keep the sabbath day holy.. then I shall kindle a fire in its gates, and it will devour the palaces of Jerusalem and not be quenched."  Sadly, Judah could not even obey this one command. 

Was it commerce?  The buying and selling of goods that could not be stopped for even one day of the week?   If God told us to give up work.. give up going to the store.. give up...whatever; just one day a week.. would we obey?  We are no longer under the Law.. but what is our responsibility when it comes to the Sabbath?  How does God see us.. our constant busyness.. working, playing, shopping..etc.  Day after day after day?   Can we not take one day... to set aside all else to honor Him?

Father in heaven, let Your Name be hallowed and honored and exalted!  Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Father, lead us deeper into Your will and word that we might know Your voice and obey all that You command.  We are listening attentively and desire with all our hearts to serve You and love You and obey You.  Teach us Your ways.. we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.