This chapter details the idolatry of the Jews living in Egypt, and God’s condemnation of this detestable practice.
“Then Jeremiah said to all the people, both men and women… ‘When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became a curse and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today. Because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed him or followed his law or his decrees or his stipulations, this disaster has come upon you, as you now see.’ ” (v20, 22-23 abr)
Why are there pain, death, suffering and hardship in the world today? Because of sin. Some people see hardship as a lack of God’s provision, or a punishment from God. Well, they’re not entirely wrong. The distinction is, struggle and strife are not God’s fault – they’re consequences of our disobedience.
God made a flawless world (see Gen 1-2). When we sinned, we brought ‘the curse’ (consequences of sin) upon this world. Thankfully God sent Jesus into this world to break the power of sin, and enable us to be redeemed from its eternal consequences. We’re now able to join Jesus in a new heaven and earth, one without sin (as God had intended this world to be). In fact, we thankfully won’t even remember what sin is, or the consequences of it.
Father God, we praise You for sending Jesus to die for our sin, and for resurrecting Him from that death. This sacrifice enables us to receive Your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and eternal salvation. May we share this great news with everyone, especially those who are suffering, so they may have a hope that trumps their current circumstances. May we honor, obey, and glorify You, each and every moment, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training