Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 4-6
“O Israel,” says the Lord,
“if you wanted to return to me, you could.
You could throw away your detestable idols
and stray away no more.
Then when you swear by my name, saying,
‘As surely as the Lord lives,’
you could do so
with truth, justice, and righteousness.
Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world,
and all people would come and praise my name.” – Jeremiah 4:1-2
I SEE WHAT YOU COULD BE.
The Lord looks at us and sees the potential of what could be if we would only submit ourselves to His sovereign plan. If we would choose to walk in His ways and find contentment in the Lord, we would be a blessing to all those around us. The world would be a better place because of our obedience and faithful living. These were the words of the Lord to the Israelites and it rings true for us today.
“My people are foolish and do not know me,” says the Lord. “They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!” – Jeremiah 4:22
I hear a cry, like that of a woman in labor, the groans of a woman giving birth to her first child. It is beautiful Jerusalem gasping for breath and crying out, “Help! I’m being murdered!” – Jeremiah 4:31
Jeremiah spoke of a willful disobedience against God that was pervasive among His people. They were stubborn and rebellious, refusing to do what God told them to do. God would instruct them to do His will and they would say “No!” He would show them the path that would lead to the life He had prepared for them, but they would again say, “No!” They would stubbornly follow their own desires rather than the desires of God’s heart. How often is this same selfish disobedience reflected in our choices?
“I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set. But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and abandoned me. They do not say from the heart, ‘Let us live in awe of the Lord our God, for he gives us rain each spring and fall, assuring us of a harvest when the time is right.’” – Jeremiah 5:22b-24
The Lord so generously provides for us. Look around! We are surrounded by the evidence of His faithfulness. Our God is good. The Lord shows up for us day after day. Let’s turn our attention to Him, listening to His words of guidance and wisdom.
I WILL SHOW YOU!
This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’” – Jeremiah 6:16-17
“This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’ But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward.” – Jeremiah 7:23-24
“They have stubbornly followed their own desires.” – Jeremiah 9:14b
Father God, forgive us for our stubborn disobedience; forgive us for our unfaithfulness and prodigal hearts. Show us the potential of what we could be and the beautiful ways you could be glorified through our lives, if only we will keep our eyes focused on you. May our hearts be a reflection of your heart as we walk out our faith in you today. Amen.
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.” – Luke 6:46-48