August 9 - Jeremiah 8-10
As I read God's Word this morning, I thought about all of the times I have heard people say that they get tired of reading through the Prophets in the Old Testament, because the message is the same thing over and over again. The implication is that they get the message, and they want to move on to something else. However, have we really heard the message of the Prophets? Is there a reason that between Isaiah and Jeremiah God inspired them to write down about 120 chapters of this message? I believe that God is clearly trying to jolt us into understanding by the repetition of the message. He is hoping to deliver all believers from the same type of judgment.
One problem seems to be that some people begin to think that God is not consistent. They think that they might be able to get away with some sin, because of the grace and mercy of God. God is trying to show us that this is never reality. The terrible destruction which He brought on Israel was the proper punishment for their sin, and He will always send a proper punishment for our sins. In fact, God is even more angry with "backsliding." (8:5,6) This is when people come to know and experience God, but instead of going on further with Him, they slide back into their sinful ways. This is totally unacceptable to God, because He knows they have no excuse for their sin in the case of backsliding. All they need to do is to repent and to be restored, but they will not repent. I hope you do not find yourself in a backslidden condition, but if you do, return to the Lord today, before His anger is poured out on you.
Then, we read about the anguish this caused Jeremiah. (9:1) I believe this sadness envelopes all who know the heart of God when they see the sins of God's people. They realize that God wants to have an intimate relationship with His people, but they refuse to respond. (9:6b) They proceed from evil to evil. They know God's punishment is sure. This brings great anguish. This is especially true for those who know God delights in the person who knows Him and understands His ways. (9:24) Can you imagine that we would walk away from God's favor? It is as if God were saying, "I want to come over to your house and hang out with you, so we can get to know each other more and more." Then, we respond by telling Him, "I would rather pursue idols and other sins, instead of spending time with You." You may not have said that to God directly, but do your actions say that to Him? I pray that we will take the message of the Prophets to heart each and every day, because sin is like a spreading cancer that must be dealt with and destroyed, or it will destroy us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 11-13.
One problem seems to be that some people begin to think that God is not consistent. They think that they might be able to get away with some sin, because of the grace and mercy of God. God is trying to show us that this is never reality. The terrible destruction which He brought on Israel was the proper punishment for their sin, and He will always send a proper punishment for our sins. In fact, God is even more angry with "backsliding." (8:5,6) This is when people come to know and experience God, but instead of going on further with Him, they slide back into their sinful ways. This is totally unacceptable to God, because He knows they have no excuse for their sin in the case of backsliding. All they need to do is to repent and to be restored, but they will not repent. I hope you do not find yourself in a backslidden condition, but if you do, return to the Lord today, before His anger is poured out on you.
Then, we read about the anguish this caused Jeremiah. (9:1) I believe this sadness envelopes all who know the heart of God when they see the sins of God's people. They realize that God wants to have an intimate relationship with His people, but they refuse to respond. (9:6b) They proceed from evil to evil. They know God's punishment is sure. This brings great anguish. This is especially true for those who know God delights in the person who knows Him and understands His ways. (9:24) Can you imagine that we would walk away from God's favor? It is as if God were saying, "I want to come over to your house and hang out with you, so we can get to know each other more and more." Then, we respond by telling Him, "I would rather pursue idols and other sins, instead of spending time with You." You may not have said that to God directly, but do your actions say that to Him? I pray that we will take the message of the Prophets to heart each and every day, because sin is like a spreading cancer that must be dealt with and destroyed, or it will destroy us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 11-13.