This chapter is a two-part conversation between Jeremiah and God. Jeremiah complains about the evil in the world and requests that God deal with it. God responds assures him any unrepentant people will eventually be removed.
” ‘Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart’… ‘And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, “As the Lord lives”… then they shall be built up… But if any nation will not listen, then I will utterly pluck it up and destroy it, declares the Lord.’ ” (v1-2, 10, 16-17 abr)
If I was complaining / lamenting to God, I’m sure it would be a much longer list than Jeremiah’s – his complaint is evil / evildoers are allowed to prosper. God turns this complaint on its head a little bit: He promises to deal with evil / evildoers; the twist is He also promises to relent from destroying anyone (even pagans / gentiles) who repents and acknowledges His ways.
God is not malicious or vindictive. He does not take pleasure in destroying anyone. Would an artist take pleasure in destroying something they spent a lifetime creating? Of course not. We are God’s creation, made in His image, so He’d much rather restore us into His loving presence than destroy us. He is a just a righteous God, which means those who choose to remain unrepentant in their sin will ultimately have to be cast out of His presence as a consequence of their foolishness.
Let’s praise God for sending Jesus into this world, our Savior who made repentance and forgiveness possible. Because of Jesus we’re able to receive forgiveness and restoration into God’s presence. Let’s share this gospel news, and continue the work of building Jesus’ kingdom, so fewer people will be cast out of God’s presence.
Father God, our Loving and Gracious Lord, who mercifully sent Jesus to die for our sin, we praise Your holy name. Thank you for making a way for repentance and forgiveness so we may be restored to Your presence. Thank you for working in and through us to build Jesus’ kingdom one heart at a time. We commit to honoring, serving, obeying, and loving You, as well as our neighbors, for others’ salvation and for Your glory, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training