Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Jeremiah 32:19 (NIV)
“…great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve.”
Jeremiah 32:19 (MSG)
“Great and powerful God, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies, determined in purpose and relentless in following through, you see everything that men and women do and respond appropriately to the way they live, to the things they do.”
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“… great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds…” -AMPLIFIED
“God is wise and strong, fully aware of all that happens, and just in giving everyone what he or she deserves. This is a classic statement of how God judges: according to people’s deeds, what they really do rather than what they intend or promise to do.” ~Thomas Constable
Jeremiah has been speaking to the Lord. He mentions the Lord’s faithful love and mercy, and also mentions God’s justice and righteous judgement.
“You show faithful love to thousands but lay the fathers’ iniquity on their sons’ laps after them, great and mighty God whose name is the Lord of Armies…” -Jeremiah 32:18 (CSB)
Jeremiah goes on in his prayer to speak of the fact that the Lord is the Rewarder:
“Your instructions are great, and Your actions are too wondrous for words. You see all that happens on this earth; You know what everyone does, and You deal with each fairly.” -(VOICE)
Three truths stand out in this verse:
First, the Lord is great in counsel, and in His purposes. He holds all wisdom, and He makes good plans.
“With great wisdom you make plans…” -(CEV)
Secondly, the Lord is mighty in deed. His actions are powerful. “…with your great power you do all the mighty things you planned.” -(CEV)
Thirdly, the Lord, the Omniscient One, sees everything, and He rewards man for his deeds, and He does so fairly. “Nothing we do is hidden from your eyes, and you reward or punish us as we deserve.” -(CEV)
Mind you, the Lord had spoken these words to Jeremiah back in chapter 17. There the Lord told him:
“I, the Lord, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, to give to each man according to his ways,
according to the results of his deeds.” -Jeremiah 17:10 (AMP)
As Jeremiah stands praying to the Lord in prison before this group of witnesses, he reiterates truths that the Lord has taught him. Mind you, this was not just for the sake of those who were hearing this prayer, but Jeremiah was reminding himself of who God was and His promises.
“You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles; for your eyes are open to all the ways of men, and you reward everyone according to his life and deeds.” -(TLB)
“He (Jeremiah) adds, that His (God’s) eyes are open on all the ways of men By these words he intimates that He is the judge of the whole world, and that whatever men may consult, speak, or do, must come to a reckoning. The meaning is, that the providence of God so extends to all parts of the world, that the works of men cannot possibly be hid from Him, and that no one can escape His hand; for after having spoken of God’s eyes, he adds, that He may render to every one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.” ~John Calvin
The Lord is the Rewarder. He gives to us what we deserve, Scripture reminds us of this and encourages us to put God first and follow His counsel.
We are reminded that God has a purpose for everything.
“The Eternal’s purposes will last to the end of time; the thoughts of His heart will awaken and stir all generations.” -Psalm 33:11 (VOICE)
We are told that God must come first in our lives. Jesus explained it to His followers in this way; make God your top priority.
“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” -Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
Scripture reminds us of the importance of listening to and following God’s counsel, so that one day we will be with Him in glory.
“But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you!” -Psalm 73:23-25 (TLB)
Let us look once again at Hebrews 11:6, the verse on faith. This verse begins by telling us without faith it is impossible to please God, and ends with a reminder that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” -(NASB1995)
One day we will each be rewarded for how we have chosen to live our lives.
“It is written, You will be holy, because I am holy. Since you call upon a Father who judges all people according to their actions without favoritism, you should conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your dwelling in a strange land.” -1 Peter 1:16-17 (CEB)
So, build with lasting materials on the foundation that Jesus laid.
“People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw. The day will make what each one does clearly visible because fire will reveal it. That fire will determine what kind of work each person has done. If what a person has built survives, he will receive a reward. If his work is burned up, he will suffer the loss. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire.” -1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NOG)
“He who lays up treasures in heaven looks forward to eternity.” ~Randy Alcorn
My friend, remember, the Lord is the Rewarder. God calls His followers to a higher standard. We are to be holy as He is holy. We are to make Him our top priority. We are to listen to and follow His counsel. We are to diligently seek Him. And we are to build on the One True Foundation, Jesus, with lasting materials. So, ask yourself if you are doing things God’s way. If you are, then you can expect to be rewarded accordingly. If not, then it is time to make some changes in your life.
“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” ~Max Lucado
My Prayer:
Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you are the Rewarder, wise in counsel, and mighty in deed. You guide and direct me in the ways I should go. If I am wise, I choose to follow your guidance. Sometimes I have not been wise. For those times, Lord, I ask your forgiveness. Help me to be listening and following your counsel in obedience. Help me to be sure that you are always first, my top priority. You have directed me to be holy as you are holy, and I am trying Lord. Please help me. I want to be building on the One True Foundation with gold, silver and precious stone. Help me to do so. I am counting on your help, because I cannot do this alone. Thank you for being with me always. You are so good to me.
Growing with God 