Jeremiah shares the word of the Lord as he receives it. Unfortunately, it’s a judgement on Judah for forsaking their Lord and God in order to pursue false gods and worthless things.
“…What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? …my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. …the house of Israel shall be shamed: they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets, who say to a tree, “You are my father,” and to a stone, “You gave me birth.” …they have turned their back to me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble they say, “Arise and save us!” But where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you, in your time of trouble; for as many as your cities are your gods, O Judah.’ ” (v5, 13, 26-28)
Perhaps you can relate to some / all of the three perspectives in this passage. I can understand God’s disappointment when the people He has rescued and blessed, time and again, choose disobedience. It’s easy to put myself in the shoes of someone who disappoints God, because I have done this many times by my own sin. I can also grasp Jeremiah’s role in urging his people to do what is right in the eyes of God.
Have you experienced one or more of those perspectives? If so, we can work with that shame, that icky feeling the Holy Spirit gives us when we disappoint God or are disappointed by others. The Spirit within us can help set things right in the eyes of God, and move forward in obedience, because Jesus’ blood has paid the price for all sin for all time.
No matter where we find ourselves today, God is eager to accept our apologies, and embrace our renewed spirit of obedience. God also blesses us, and those around us, when we gently encourage and uplift someone who is struggling. Let’s be Christlike in our actions, both by our individual obedience, and by helping others return to God.
Father God, our Heavenly Lord and King, You are righteous and just beyond compare. Your forgiveness is also unmatched, and we praise You for Jesus’ sacrifice which paid the penalty for our sin. Please forgive us, and help us to keep our eyes on You. Spirit please guide us not only for our own sake, but also so we may help others return to the Father. May we do these things in a Christlike way, with His love and compassion, from this day forward, amen.