The passage we are reading today recalls the conversation between Abraham and God in the run-up to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18:16–33). During that event, a dialogue also took place when the Lord revealed His plan to destroy the city that was “so deeply sinful”; Abraham then responded to God’s plan by petitioning that the righteous should not be destroyed along with the wicked. A series of negotiations ensued, and only then was God’s plan carried out. In our reading today, the initiative to seek out the righteous amongst the people of Israel comes from God Himself. The Lord commanded that the streets of Jerusalem be searched for those who practise justice and righteousness. If any were to be found, He would spare the city. 

So what was found in that city? Whether common folk, the people, or the leaders, all were far from the righteousness and justice established by God. In fact, the situation facing God’s people at that time was far more complex. Time and again, the Lord had chastised them and made clear what was right, yet they continued to swear by God’s name and refused to repent. In that dialogue, Jeremiah seemed to still wish to open the door further to His forgiveness by attempting to show that there must surely still be righteous people. It turned out that everyone wanted to break free from the bonds of the covenant with the Lord. They no longer wished to be governed by His laws and even turned to gods who had absolutely no power. Consequently, God’s discipline will come upon them in the form of a foreign nation that will plunder and occupy Jerusalem. They will be cast out just as they have disregarded God. 

In today’s passage, wickedness is described as the people’s turning away from truth and justice. It occurs when people show no concern for one another and choose instead to oppress and exploit the weak. Those in power, who ought to use their authority for the common good, instead use it to enrich themselves. Perhaps our thoughts will immediately turn to the situation unfolding in Indonesia of late. Therefore, as Christians, the best we can do is to continue walking in the truth He has established. Do not neglect truth and justice in your daily lives, for therein lies God’s favour. Obeying God is not merely about praying and attending church services, but also about acting righteously and justly, beginning with one’s thoughts.