Jeremiah 31:34 “No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”

The thing that strikes me about this verse is that, because it is talking about a future time when everyone will know the Lord, (Philippians 2:9-11) until that time everyone should be speaking to those around them saying, “Know the Lord,” and teaching them about Him. The phrase, “no longer,” definitely implies that what is about to be said is the current situation. We’re not even there yet! We are surrounded by people who don’t know the Lord, even if they happen to have membership in a church. That’s why it’s imperative that everyone who does know the Lord tell and teach others about Him. It’s interesting that this verse specifies both those of low and high social standing. Those of low social standing are all too often ignored, and those of high social standing are considered unapproachable. Everyone needs to know the Lord! The Bible is loaded with scriptures that talk about God’s concern for the poor and lowly, as well as with passages that talk about the dangers of trusting in wealth. Galatians 3:28 is a verse I quote frequently in marriage counseling to point out that no one has the right to lord it over someone else, and it brings up the matter of slavery, even. In ancient times a slave had no standing or rights at all, but God says a slave is of equal value with a king. At the same time, that king is equally in need of the grace, mercy, and salvation of God as the slave. We are to share the Gospel equally with all, loving them with God’s love.

Since I grew up rubbing elbows with people others called “great,” I’ve never been especially in awe of titles or positions. At the same time, my father in particular set an example of never considering himself above anyone else, regardless of their social position. That was a good environment in which to grow up! The Japanese language has various levels of politeness, depending on whether the person to whom you are speaking is “above” or “below” you. That’s one of my weakest areas, linguistically speaking, because I tend to speak to everyone the same! People are sometimes touched and sometimes offended, but most often they chalk it up to my being a foreigner (I think). However, that’s not to say I’m sufficiently active in exhorting and teaching everyone to know the Lord! I’ve got to remember that our purpose in being on this earth is to come to know Him and to encourage other to do likewise. If we gain all of this world’s accolades and fail in that point, then we have failed indeed.

Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity to teach and exhort others to know You, and Jesus Christ the only Savior. Help me do it more consistently and more effectively, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!