Thursday 23 March

Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95; Luke 11:14-23

God defend New Zealand

Re-read Jeremiah today as addressed, not to the people of ancient Israel, but to the people of modern New Zealand. Once called ‘God’s Own,’ our country has now transformed itself into the so-called ‘secular’ society, one which ‘… neither listen(s) to the voice of God nor take(s) correction.’ Our laws and the values on which they are based are no longer determined by reference to a divine will or purpose – the Judeo-Christian ethic. Instead we ‘… follow (our) own devices, (our) own stubborn …. Inclinations …’ Will God defend a nation which has rejected him? Pray for our beloved country, a new mission field.