Isaiah reassured the people of Jerusalem when they were under threat. “A strong city have we;
he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us…Trust in the LORD forever!” The people did trust in the Lord and they were delivered. A century later Jeremiah warned the inhabitants of Jerusalem of impending doom. But what about Isaiah, they asked? What about our strong city? What about the promise of God? Jeremiah responded that the people were relying on the walls and ramparts to protect them and not on the Lord, hence their doom. Jesus has a similar message when he warns his hearers that it is not sufficient to say “Lord, Lord.” True believers act on the word of Jesus by showing compassion, forgiveness, generosity, charity.
