29/11/11
JEREMIAH 4: 1-18


IF YOU RETURN, O ISRAEL, SAYS THE LORD,
IF YOU RETURN TO ME,
IF YOUR REMOVE YOUR ABOMINATIONS FROM MY PRESENCE,
AND DO NOT WAVER,
AND IF YOU SWEAR, ‘AS THE LIVES’,
IN TRUTH, IN JUSTICE, AND IN UPRIGHTNESS,
THEN NATIONS SHALL BE BLESSED BY HIM,
AND BY HIM THEY SHALL BOAST. [vs 1 & 2]


The biblical understanding of quality of life is life lived in the midst of a community in which the rights and needs of every individual are upheld and satisfied. 
This may not sound particularly new. This vision was the heart of the prophetic message in ancient Israel and is also a familiar idea to us today, not least in contemporary democratic countries. Nevertheless, there is something unique about the biblical image of the individuals within communities as agents of transformation, as opposed to the contemporary emphasis and dependence on the structures of society and its laws and institutions to bring and perpetuate quality of life. In today’s reading the path to better living begins with repentance, living behind all that is not worship of the one true God. Then it requires a renewed pledge of loyalty to the Lord that finds practical expression in the words; ‘truth’, ‘justice’ and ‘uprightness’ – the prophetic understanding of an abundant, qualitative life. Finally, it entails frank acknowledgement that deliverance and blessing are ultimately the work of God. It is only in him that wholeness of life can be found. Quality life and service will depend on our obedience to God.


PRAYER

Lord God, I repent of all that has kept me away from your presence. I pledge my loyalty to you once again and promise to pursue truth, justice and uprightness. Please bless me with the wisdom to live a qualitative life.

A M E N