(This post is the next in a series of posts containing my first blush reactions to passages I come across in the reading of Scripture. I am currently going straight through the book of Jeremiah and will be sharing with you which verses the Spirit causes to jump out at me and the unrevised, unpolished feelings which they invoke.)
“Yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but she too went and played the whore.” (3.8b)
Why is it that the example of someone else’s sin and punishment is not enough to keep us from doing the same thing? Wouldn’t it be better to stand in fear of God for what he’s shown to us than to move forward in arrogance expecting it to be different?
“Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever.” (3.12b)
The temptation to hide from God for fear of his anger at our straying is so intense. Yet God is clear that for those who come in repentance to him that he will show mercy. See Psalm 51.9, Colossians 2.14.
“Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.” (3.23)
It is only when we recognize that the gods we serve are no God at all and have no glory like that of the almighty God will we turn from seeking our own separate pleasures. Consider 1 Peter 4.3.
“Your ways and your deeds have brought this upon you. This is your doom, and it is bitter; it has reached your very heart.” (4.18 )
The wrath of God is not unjust. The sovereign Lord is not responsible for our sinning but it is us who have chosen to be in rebellion. Thus we will have no excuse on the day of judgment and will have no hope if not buried with Christ. We cannot deny that our sinning comes from us and us alone.
“For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’-in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.” (4.22)
How much does our pride puff us up? I think of myself as so strong in heart and advanced in knowledge, yet when I stumble in wickedness all God sees is a stupid child. I think so highly of myself but all God sees of me is a meandering toddler stroll straight towards hell, and I can only be stopped by his intervening hand.
” ‘Woe is me! I am fainting before murderers.’ “ (4.31b)
Why am I surprised when engaging in the things of the world causes trouble? Why do I recoil in shock as if I hadn’t done it to myself. Even when I know the costs my sinful flesh is still able to win out, seeking its own pleasures before God’s glory. Father, please increase my self-control.
