Self-Righteousness

LORD, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? [Jeremiah 12.1]

I guess, at times, we all go blind to our own condition. Here, Jeremiah questions God's justice. For a moment, Jeremiah forgets who he is and Who God Is.

But God reminds him:

“If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan? [Jeremiah 12.5]

Basically, what God is saying to Jeremiah is that he is estimating himself too highly. It seems to me that Jeremiah is praying for certain things to the best of his ability (in his own estimation), but perhaps has forgotten that God's sense of justice may outweigh his (Jeremiah's) own sense of righteousness. In other words, "Jeremiah, you think you are okay, but you are not."

Comparing Jeremiah to Moses, we will be reminded that Moses' intercession for Israel prevented their being utterly destroyed. But here, God is telling Jeremiah that he will need to 'up his game' if he intends to influence God's plans for destruction: “If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses?"

For me, the point is that, any time I want to question God, is an ideal time to look very carefully and humbly at myself.

Father, I know I have arrogantly questioned You many times. I also know arrogance like that has never gotten me anywhere. Help me to remain reflective of my own condition at all times. Help me to be repentant as a lifestyle.