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Drought, Disaster and Comfort

Read: Jeremiah 14-17

From prayers for relief during a drought to remembering the Sabbath, Jeremiah reminds us to turn to God for all of our needs. He even pauses to ask God for consideration for himself as his ministry is not so popular (to say the least). No doubt there are seasons in our lives when we just want to ask God for some assurance that we’re really doing that which he has called us to do.

There is a period of drought in the land, things are not going well at all,

Judah mourns,
her cities languish;
they wail for the land,
and a cry goes up from Jerusalem.

Although our sins testify against us,
do something, Lord, for the sake of your name.
For we have often rebelled;
we have sinned against you.
Jeremiah 14:2,7

Do something, Lord! How many times have I made that plea? Looking around as everything seems to be going to dust, things are falling apart — do something, only do not forsake us.

This is what the Lord says about this people:
“They greatly love to wander;
they do not restrain their feet.
So the Lord does not accept them;
he will now remember their wickedness
and punish them for their sins.”
Jeremiah 14:10

 

We acknowledge our wickedness, Lord,
and the guilt of our ancestors;
we have indeed sinned against you.
For the sake of your name do not despise us;
do not dishonor your glorious throne.
Remember your covenant with us
and do not break it.
Jeremiah 14:20-21

It’s somewhat surprising to read the next few verses:

Then the Lord said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from my presence! Let them go! Jeremiah 15:1

Four destroyers will come and winnow the people with a winnowing fork at the city gates; God will not be mocked anymore by the very people he rescued.

Jeremiah continues to preach the message God has given him, but it seems that he is troubled by the response, or lack of response, he gets as a result.

Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth,
a man with whom the whole land strives and contends!
I have neither lent nor borrowed,
yet everyone curses me.
Jeremiah 15:10

I would not want to be Jeremiah! Yet God assures him he will take care of him, though his enemies will increase.

“I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”
Jeremiah 15:21

Day of Disaster

From bad to worse, the message simply doesn’t improve: “Both high and low will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, and no one will cut themselves or shave their head for the dead. (Jeremiah 16:6). When the people ask why, the response suggests this is a multigenerational problem:

‘It is because your ancestors forsook me,’ declares the Lord, ‘and followed other gods and served and worshiped them. They forsook me and did not keep my law. But you have behaved more wickedly than your ancestors. Jeremiah 16:11-12

When we look at our current generation and wonder if it could get worse, the words here give me some indication that the answer is yes, it can get worse as the next generation builds on the shaky ground of the current. God’s promise and hope is that of restoration–he will restore his people eventually.

The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?
“I the Lord search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
according to what their deeds deserve.”
Jeremiah 17:9-10

Psalm 139 comes to mind (yet again). Search me and know my heart, Lord, but remember that I’m merely a man stumbling along trying to make a way in this world, attempting to make a small difference in the garden I’m planted in.

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
save me and I will be saved,
for you are the one I praise.
Jeremiah 17:14

Remember the Sabbath

It’s fitting to end today’s reading with a reminder to keep the Sabbath, words I say to myself over and over again. God is serious about the Sabbath, but our busy lives, well, in the life I have perhaps made so busy, it seems the Sabbath gets little attention. Lord, help me to figure out how to get this rhythm into the weekly routine for my life. I have a lot to learn!

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Plot Against Jeremiah; Five Warnings

Read: Jeremiah 11-13

Jeremiah sees plainly that both Israel and Judah have broken their part of the covenant with God, they continued to worship gods of their own making, so the Lord makes it clear, he will not listen to these people.

“Do not pray for this people or offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their distress. Jeremiah 11:14

Jeremiah 11:18-23 briefly reveals a plot by the people against Jeremiah for his prophetic voice, because he spoke the painful truth to the people.

Not even a remnant will be left to them, because I will bring disaster on the people of Anathoth in the year of their punishment.” Jeremiah 11:23

Jeremiah won’t have to fight the battle or hide from their threat, the Lord will be the avenger.

Jeremiah 12 begins with Jeremiah’s complaint about how God allows evil to run rampant, with no end in sight.

You have planted them, and they have taken root;
they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
but far from their hearts.
Yet you know me, Lord;
you see me and test my thoughts about you.
Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!
Set them apart for the day of slaughter!
Jeremiah 12:2-3

Jeremiah’s frustration is at its peak! “Enough of this Lord! Wipe them out!” I can totally relate to this concept, anger that burns within as we watch those who are obviously evil, clearly have malice in mind, always muttering the name of God, but showing now indication that they believe a word they say–these people must go! But God is the God of compassion, far beyond my understanding:

But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion and will bring each of them back to their own inheritance and their own country. And if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people. Jeremiah 12:15-16

This is our God. Does he listen to prayers? Of course he does. Does he answer my prayers? Always, just rarely the way that I deemed appropriate–thankfully!

Five Warnings

1. Jeremiah 13:1-11: Parable of the Linen Belt

The Lord told Jeremiah to buy a linen belt, put it around his waist and make sure it doesn’t touch any water. Next, he told Jeremiah to hide it within the crevice of a rock for some time. Later on, God tells him to go and dig up the belt and observe: Jeremiah 13:7 “it was ruined and completely useless.”

2. Jeremiah 13:12–14: Parable of the Wineskins

This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Every wineskin should be filled with wine.’ And if they say to you, ‘Don’t we know that every wineskin should be filled with wine?’ Jeremiah 13:12

It seems that Israel’s pride and arrogance have reached such a point that they know what to do without asking, without seeking approval from God. “I can do it myself” rings in my ears. Perhaps this is the point of the parable: listen to what the Lord!

3. Jeremiah 13:15–17

If you do not listen,
I will weep in secret
because of your pride;
my eyes will weep bitterly,
overflowing with tears,
because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive.
Jeremiah 13:17

The prophet’s words are harsh because that is the word from the Lord, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t moved by the implications. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, is moved with tears by what he must tell the people. There is no personal gain by telling Judah they are doomed to exile for this horrific actions–it’s not like he benefits from people for these words of truth. He is, however, being faithful and obedient. There is a time for harsh words.

4. Jeremiah 13:18–19

The king and queen mother will be deposed, “All Judah will be carried away into exile, carried completely away.”

5. Jeremiah 13:20–27

Can an Ethiopian change his skin
or a leopard its spots?
Neither can you do good
who are accustomed to doing evil.
Jeremiah 13:23

One of the Just So Stories of Rudyard Kipling uses this reference as it playfully considers that which is permanent. Judah, however, simply will not change their ways. How about us?

All is visible to our God, he will expose our depravity:

I will pull up your skirts over your face
that your shame may be seen—
your adulteries and lustful neighings,
your shameless prostitution!
I have seen your detestable acts
on the hills and in the fields.
Woe to you, Jerusalem!
How long will you be unclean?”
Jeremiah 13:26-27

Lord, help us to listen to your word, not just hear the sounds and nod our heads at the right time. Wake us up to your reality and your vision of a far better life.

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There is No One Like Our God; Jeremiah’s Prayer

Read: Jeremiah 10

It seems that God’s people are struggling with the first two commandments once again. Perhaps we, as a nation, continue to struggle as we push God aside to make way for the work of our own hands. In ancient times we clearly saw objects of worship that cause us to wonder how intelligent people would fall for something so obvious. Far be it from me to ascend the throne of infinite wisdom, I ain’t that smart, but it is intuitively obvious that we have created idols out of many things these days–we just don’t stick them on a shelf and worship them openly.

Let’s keep it simple:

  1. You shall have no other gods before me
  2. You shall not make idols nor bow down and worship them

The Ten Commandments provide a framework that should help us focus. Jesus, of course, simplified and expanded this concept by saying,

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

Sometimes simple is very complex. If we are to love God with all our heart, mind and soul, the first four commandments are a piece of cake. Easy to say, perhaps it’s not so easy to do when we put so much attention on ourselves, our desires, our great need to be happy–idols of our modern world.

Jeremiah joins the prophets in an attempt to wake us up to this reality and understand that there is no one like our God, the true creator of all.

This is what the Lord says:
“Do not learn the ways of the nations
or be terrified by signs in the heavens,
though the nations are terrified by them.
Jeremiah 10:2

Lord, help us to figure out how to live in this corrupt world without being seduced by its culture. Even as I type this I know that I am terribly biased by my own experiences, I probably can’t see how the world has corrupted me. That’s why you gave us the concept of the church, people doing life together to help each other and hold each other accountable with love.

No one is like you, Lord;
you are great,
and your name is mighty in power.
Jeremiah 10:6

No one is like you, Lord. No one is like you. I hope those words ring in our ears all day long!

But the Lord is the true God;
he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles;
the nations cannot endure his wrath.
Jeremiah 10:10

I get the feeling that Jeremiah is trying to come up with words that will penetrate the hardened hearts of those who are the people of his flock, the aim of his ministry efforts. This is our God:

He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these,
for he is the Maker of all things,
including Israel, the people of his inheritance—
the Lord Almighty is his name.
Jeremiah 10:16

 

Jeremiah’s Prayer. Please take a moment and read this prayer today, hear what the Spirit says to your heart:

23 Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own;
it is not for them to direct their steps.
24 Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—
not in your anger,
or you will reduce me to nothing.
25 Pour out your wrath on the nations
that do not acknowledge you,
on the peoples who do not call on your name.
For they have devoured Jacob;
they have devoured him completely
and destroyed his homeland.
Jeremiah 10:23-25

The power of verse 24 seems heavy today as I feel the overwhelming weight of discipline from the Lord. My life is not my own. I bow down to you alone, Lord, longing to know what it is you would most desire that I do today to advance your kingdom. All for your glory. These are not mere words uttered in despair, this is the great desire for the few years I get to spend on earth, these difficult days.

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Sin and Punishment

Jeremiah 8:4-9:26: Sin and Punishment

This rather somber reading may be characterized by Jeremiah 8:11: “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.” So many times I’ve joked at the wrong time and wrong place, words that burned because I didn’t weigh the thought before speaking. I forget how serious ministry is at times, how precious each soul is to God, his great desire to see all come to Christ.

My prayer today is that this will wake us up from our sleep, that we would insert our names in the text and be stirred to action. Read the words, but don’t dismiss them as “they did such and such.” Lord, help me to take this to heart and be changed as a result.

I have listened attentively,
but they do not say what is right.
None of them repent of their wickedness,
saying, “What have I done?”
Each pursues their own course
like a horse charging into battle.
Even the stork in the sky
knows her appointed seasons,
and the dove, the swift and the thrush
observe the time of their migration.
But my people do not know
the requirements of the Lord.
Jeremiah 8:6-7

May we stop running in every direction, pursuing personal interests rather than working together cohesively. There are many ways to effectively minister to people, but we must be on the same page. We can’t do everything, but we can do that which is most important. Lord, help us to be a community of faith that works together on the course you have plotted.

Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when they are punished,
says the Lord.
Jeremiah 8:12

I am ashamed of my sin, but don’t let me wallow in self-pity, nor allow me to keep on sinning. I am not proud of my transgressions, my sinful thoughts and desires. You, Lord, are perhaps the only one who knows, but that shouldn’t give me peace. Lord, I pray that we develop deep relationships that would allow us to confess our sin to one another in complete trust.

Since my people are crushed, I am crushed;
I mourn, and horror grips me.
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no healing
for the wound of my people?
Jeremiah 8:21-22

As we (Healthy Growing Churches) continue to press hard into the space of helping dying churches, these words are on our hearts just like Jeremiah: “Since my people are crushed, I am crushed.” Our hearts should break for churches that have lost their effectiveness. We don’t stand in judgment, we stand with a sincere desire to help.

There Is A Balm In Gilead, is a hymn I will never forget. Earl Reynolds, a true tenor in our little church choir, sang this song every year during Easter. “There is a balm in Gilead to save the sin-sick soul.” When I’m most discouraged, I want to hear his voice sing this song, I want to be reminded that Jesus did in fact die to save my sin-sick soul. Thank you, Lord, for that experience, the the years that church poured into my soul.

The sad state of God’s chosen people is captured by these visceral words:

“Beware of your friends;
do not trust anyone in your clan.
For every one of them is a deceiver,
and every friend a slanderer.
Friend deceives friend,
and no one speaks the truth.
They have taught their tongues to lie;
they weary themselves with sinning.
You live in the midst of deception;
in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:4-6

There are days when we need a prophet like Jeremiah to show up and remove the covers that hide our thoughts. Why should we be afraid of that concept? Because we know full well that our names would be included on the list. Here’s a thought: let’s change our thoughts and be the church Jesus commanded us to become. Lord, help me take personal responsibility for these words.

12 Who is wise enough to understand this? Who has been instructed by the Lord and can explain it? Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a desert that no one can cross? 13 The Lord said, “It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. 14 Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their ancestors taught them.”
Jeremiah 9:12-14

Perhaps this is why the Pharisees were so bent on laws that define laws. They didn’t want to stand accused of forsaking the laws of God, so they created rules about keeping the law. Over the course of many generations they lost sight of their goal, but I can see how they overreacted to the troubles of their ancestors.

In our modern world, it seems we’ve done the same thing with our laws. You can sue anyone for anything, to be sure, and there are regulations and statutes that describe how to enforce the laws–many of which are based on great experience. But here’s the warning: when God is completely removed from our courthouses and a generation is raised that does not know God, new laws will override the old and we, as a people will wander from the ways God has approved. We will relive the words of Jeremiah.

Sadly, this will be our children and our children’s children if we do not correct our course of action. I have no idea how to do this, but it is not beyond the capability of the Lord, however, it must not escape the minds of mere mortals for it seems that God does not favor those who refuse his commands.

We pick up the theme of circumcision of the heart again as we close this morning:

25 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
Jeremiah 9:25-26

Penetrate our hearts, Lord, and make us new. We can’t do this without you, it’s futile to try, but with your help, Lord, we choose to follow the path you have established.

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False Religion Condemned

Read: Jeremiah 6:1-8:3

This section of scripture is anything but uplifting. As we look into the depravity of Israel, with an emphasis on Jerusalem, we see a people who are far from God moving away even farther and the prophesied demise because of their sin. The question I wrestle with is this: are we like these people? I can’t help but wonder how much we are like these people.

Jeremiah 6: Jerusalem Under Siege

Jeremiah prophesied about the invasion of Jerusalem, the holy city itself, its destruction as a result of great disrespect for the Lord.

As a well pours out its water,
so she pours out her wickedness.
Violence and destruction resound in her;
her sickness and wounds are ever before me.
Jeremiah 6:7

The wickedness pours out of Jerusalem, their sin is so great and so obvious to the Lord. Even the remnant will be affected:

This is what the Lord Almighty says:
“Let them glean the remnant of Israel
as thoroughly as a vine;
pass your hand over the branches again,
like one gathering grapes.”
Jeremiah 6:9

There are so few followers of God by this time. These are the chosen ones, the million that fled Egypt under the leadership of Moses becomes the remnant of the remnant. Here’s the sad reality:

Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when I punish them,”
says the Lord.
Jeremiah 6:15

They are not the least bit ashamed. This is what they say: “I’m not ashamed anymore. This is who I am.” I’d love to say this is all about an ancient people, far in the past, one that doesn’t apply today, but that is not the case. We’ve created a culture that honors those who pave their own zealous paths and stray from that which God has ordained. So far from truth the lies become their new truth. This is the foundation of lies, but it will not go undetected and certainly not unchecked.

The bellows blow fiercely
to burn away the lead with fire,
but the refining goes on in vain;
the wicked are not purged out.
They are called rejected silver,
because the Lord has rejected them.”
Jeremiah 6:29-30

Is this something I want? Far from it, but it is sad to see how far a people can wander when they reject the Lord and replace his ways with that of their own.

Jeremiah 7:1-29: False Religion Worthless

God is the God of reconciliation. He relentlessly pursues us. Time after time we read words like this in the Bible:

5 If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, 6 if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, 7 then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. 8 But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. Jeremiah 7:5-8

It seems we’re caught up in “trusting in deceptive words.” Lord, help us to hear your voice above the booming sounds of this world that seem to drown out your desires for our lives on earth.

18 The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger. 19 But am I the one they are provoking? declares the Lord. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame? Jeremiah 7:18-19

God gave us free will, the ability to choose who will will worship. When we so freely choose to pour offerings to other gods, I think he is truly sad. As we proudly gaze on our accomplishment, I can see the tear in my Father’s eye. He is not pleased or happy for wandering children, those who have denied the grace so freely offered.

26 But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.’ 27 “When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. Jeremiah 7:26-27

Even when we try our best to reveal the truth most will ignore the advice. Lord, help me to cross these paths wisely.

Jeremiah 7:30-8:3: The Valley of Slaughter

Unspeakable horror. There is no way anyone can attribute this behavior to that of God’s desire for his people.

They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. Jeremiah 7:31

How can a people fall so far away? Perhaps this can’t happen in our modern society, at least not in the physical sense, but our minds can easily go far away from the love of God. Help us, Lord, to be aware of the evil that surrounds us and to stay far away.

 

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Self-Deception

Read Jeremiah 4-5

Jeremiah’s message is direct, blunt and forceful. He is trying to wake the people from their senseless state, God’s people, our ancestors. Hear his relentless words of persuasion that seem to fall on deaf ears:

“Break up your unplowed ground
and do not sow among thorns.
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
circumcise your hearts,
you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,
or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire
because of the evil you have done—
burn with no one to quench it.
Jeremiah 4:3-4

 

Circumcise your hearts — permanently change your heart! Yes, it will be painful for a time, but the mark of God will be indelibly marked, you will not forget. When we circumcise our hearts we change from the inside out. In Mark 7:18-23, Jesus explains this clearly:

For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:21-23

Change me from within, deep within. Lord, I pray that you will remove all that which defiles us for we know you will uphold you end of the covenant, but we are hard-headed.

“My people are fools;
they do not know me.
They are senseless children;
they have no understanding.
They are skilled in doing evil;
they know not how to do good.”
Jeremiah 4:22

God’s wrath will be swift. Those who listened to the false prophets will be swept away, they will not be able to hide their sin.

“Go through her vineyards and ravage them,
but do not destroy them completely.
Strip off her branches,
for these people do not belong to the Lord.
The people of Israel and the people of Judah
have been utterly unfaithful to me,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 5:10-11

“The whole land will be ruined,
though I will not destroy it completely.
Therefore the earth will mourn
and the heavens above grow dark,
because I have spoken and will not relent,
I have decided and will not turn back.”
Jeremiah 4:27-28

Do not destroy the land completely…some will remain, though these people seem incapable of listening.

The title associated with chapter 5, “Not One is Upright,” aptly depicts the hearts and minds of those who ignore warning and flagrantly oppose God. “Although they say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’ still they are swearing falsely.” (Jeremiah 5:2) They know how to act, the words and phrases to say, but their actions are far from sincere. They refused to repent and Jeremiah wonders if these were merely fools, but such was not the case.

Those who were reputed as wise, the ones who sat as prophets, had the hardest of hearts and refused to listen.

They have lied about the Lord;
they said, “He will do nothing!
No harm will come to us;
we will never see sword or famine.
The prophets are but wind
and the word is not in them;
so let what they say be done to them.”
Jeremiah 5:12-13

Lord, I pray that our words are your words, the we will not be like these prophets, full of wind and no thoughts of you. It’s no wonder Jeremiah’s ministry was one of loneliness. History proves his words were accurate, but no doubt hard to swallow at the time.

“A horrible and shocking thing
has happened in the land:
The prophets prophesy lies,
the priests rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way.
But what will you do in the end?
Jeremiah 5:30-31

“And my people love it this way.” Let that sink in for a while.

This is Sunday morning. All across our country, people will make their way to churches as part of their weekly routine. Some will do this with great sincerity, some out of habit, most will visit church buildings because they “love it this way,” it is convenient. It’s easy to check the box, [_] Went to Church. But the heart was not circumcised. Change didn’t happen. Not because the Jesus didn’t show up, indeed, where two or more are gathered (Matthew 18:20) he is faithful, but did we who stand against this box-checking mentality do something different? Don’t get me wrong, I certainly don’t think I have it all figured out, but at the very least, I hope to do more than just fill a position on Sunday morning. Lord, help us to be your church.

 

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Psalm 108: Great is the Love of God

Read: Psalm 108

A psalm of David that invites all to praise the Lord as we pray for help. I will sing praises to the Lord!

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 108:3-5

The psalms constantly lift up praises to God Almighty, the Lord of all. I wonder if we lose our sense of awe and wonder after reading that phrase so many times. Those who have denied God probably look at these songs of praise as dogmatic worship from ancient people who didn’t know any better. After all, aren’t these the people who had gods for every occasion?

It is certainly true that many people in those times had idols and a belief system that deserves the bad press, but our ancestors were not unintelligent. They were shrewd, cunning and were able to accomplish much because of the brilliant minds God had given people of that time just as this time. It’s easy to feel high and mighty because of the stuff we have today, but these guys did amazing things without the comforts we have.

Our ancestors praised the Lord above all because they knew he was the Lord of Creation. They were smart enough to figure it out then–seems like we should be smart enough to figure it out now!

 

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Jeremiah’s Call to a Land of Prostitutes

Read: Jeremiah 1-3

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, spoke to the people of the southern kingdom (the northern kingdom has been exiles by the Assyrians already) during the reigns of their last five kings with prophesies about Babylonian exile. Jeremiah speaks to the ultimate restoration of Israel when Jesus returns as the Messiah. FYI:  the NIV Study Bible dates Jeremiah Between 626 and 586 BC. It’s hard to imagine 6 centuries of time between Jeremiah and Jesus.

Jeremiah’s Call

The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5

The call is clear and Jeremiah uses marriage, of husband and wife, bride and groom, in an effort to appeal to the people. He calls Judah to remember the love that was once exciting as a young bride, to think back on the days filled with joy and laughter and fun. He’s trying to help them see how far they’ve fallen from the ways of God.

But my people have exchanged their glorious God
for worthless idols.
Be appalled at this, you heavens,
and shudder with great horror,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 2:11-12

Be appalled. Cold water thrown in your face. Wake up! See what you have become! Have we done this, Lord? Have we run so far away and declared our independence?

“Long ago you broke off your yoke
and tore off your bonds;
you said, ‘I will not serve you!’
Indeed, on every high hill
and under every spreading tree
you lay down as a prostitute.
Jeremiah 2:20

We are a nation where “I can do it myself” is our motto, we take pride in being “self-made.” Jeremiah paints an outrageous picture of a people committing adultery under every tree, prostitution rampant, unashamed and unrelenting.

But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers—
would you now return to me?”
declares the Lord.
Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute;
you refuse to blush with shame.
Jeremiah 3:1,3

Boldly we declare, “I have made my choice!” and that choice does not include following the ways of the Creator, the Lord Almighty, who has saved his people time and time again. Unrepentant people full of empty words.

Have you not just called to me:
‘My Father, my friend from my youth,
will you always be angry?
Will your wrath continue forever?’
This is how you talk,
but you do all the evil you can.”
Jeremiah 3:4-5

Unfaithful People Called Out

The words of Jeremiah are hard to hear by a people who have turned themselves against the Lord and made their own way. They watched the northern kingdom, Israel, get carried off into exile, but didn’t learn anything from the annihilation of their extended family. They continue to refuse God’s hand, though he reminded them often through the prophets.

Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 3:9-10

The metaphor of marriage, of husband and wife, is used to recall the wandering people:

“Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. Jeremiah 3:14

It’s a prophetic vision of a new world when Israel and Judah are once again united — one day.

Do these words of 2,600 years ago apply to us in our postmodern enlightened world? I think we think far too highly of ourselves when we ignore history. We are not so different from our ancestors, quickly justifying our actions and building ourselves up as strong and independent. As far as I can tell, Jesus didn’t call us to independence. He called us to be a loving family that loves God and our neighbors. We cannot come close to this calling acting like prostitutes, taking advantage of human weakness and fornication. Be appalled at that statement, please! Be shocked by the metaphor and spurned into action.

Lord, help me to hear these words and not start pointing fingers at others; rather, help me to recognize my own sin and have compassion on others who refuse to see that which inhibits their ability to get close to you.

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Psalm 107: Give Thanks for Unfailing Love

Read: Psalm 107

Here are the bookends to this psalm that invite us to give thanks to God for his unfailing love, even when we fall flat on our faces:

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.
Psalm 107:1,43

The invitation is there, let us ponder our God this morning with wisdom.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
Psalm 107:2

Their story. What is your story? How have you seen the Lord work in your life in ways that are difficult to explain? There is something about telling a story that is powerful. It somehow moves hearts by relating events that can encourage and strengthen others. Whether a Christ follower or not, stories can be engaging. The Apostle Peter has an amazing story, perhaps that’s why he reminds us:

…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… 1 Peter 3:15

I think about this verse often because it’s important to be able to share the Gospel with others from our own personal experience. It’s one thing to say, “the Bible told me so…”, but a completely different thing to say, “this is why I believe Jesus is the Lord of all.” Go ahead, I challenge you to write in your journal, to complete this sentence,

The reason I have hope in Jesus Christ is _________

I would love to have a mash-up video of people of all types providing their responses with powerful music building behind the faces. These are stories that are inviting because their not so lofty (if not embellished). Lord, help us to tell our story for the benefit of inviting others into your story.

Each of these stanzas in this powerful psalm reminds us of the ways our Lord has redeemed us:

  • 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
    finding no way to a city where they could settle.
  • 10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
    prisoners suffering in iron chains,
  • 17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
    and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
  • 23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
    they were merchants on the mighty waters.

The words that follow provide assurance after assurance that our God will reach into the wastelands, the darkness, the roughest seas and save his people.

I believe there will be times he saves FROM the trials that are beyond our ability to manage, but most of the time I believe he saves us IN the trials.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

My friends have heard me say this too often as a means to comfort and encourage. Our God is able to deliver us, but even if he chooses to let us perish from this mortal life, he is still the God I will worship. Please understand these words burn me as much as anyone. The smoke from the furnace is all over me these days, I cannot escape the trials.

Today I no longer ask God to relieve me of the pain of trial, instead I simply ask him to give me strength to make it through the ordeals so I can tell the story of how he answered my prayers and led me through the darkest hours.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Give thanks to the Lord, his love endures forever. Tell someone your story today.

 

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Psalm 106: Israel’s Rebellion; Standing in the Breach

Read: Psalm 106

I can’t help but read the history of Israel and wonder if this foretells our own story as we see our nation, our friends and family slip away from God. I don’t want to be one who reads the word and does nothing.

Do not merely listen to the word,
and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
James 1:22

Speak to us, Lord, we want to hear your voice and know what to do. It sounds simple, but I know it’s not and it’s never easy–that’s what makes it so valuable!

This morning we read a psalm that summarizes Israel’s rollercoaster history of redemption and rebellion. For example, look at verses 12 and 13:

Then they believed his promises
and sang his praise.
But they soon forgot what he had done
and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
Psalm 106:12-13

Back to back, the contrast captures the fingerprint of Israel, our ancestors, and perhaps our own hearts. At one moment we sing praises, then the next moment we completely forget how God saved us from disaster.

The history lesson extends back to the days of Moses, wandering in the wilderness, the refining test of God’s love. In particular, the psalmist remembers the golden calf created when Moses was on the mountain with God and Aaron was left to lead the people–mislead as it were. Moses returned to find the camp consumed by idol worship, lost beyond comprehension in such a short time.

So he said he would destroy them—
had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach before him
to keep his wrath from destroying them.
Psalm 106:23

I don’t remember if we left this in the script for HGC’s #1000healthychurches video, but the sentiment of standing in the breach was in my mind as we pondered the impossible task of starting a movement to help thousands of churches turn around from dying to healthy, vibrant communities of faith. Tom Planck’s vivid vision of God grieving over the sea of churches that are dying in America is like that of Moses just stepping down from a glorious time with God. Imagine spending time talking with God one on one for days, then walking away from that moment to see your church worshiping idols because you were gone for a while. Seriously!

In some respects, I want our Sunday morning gatherings to be like this — we worship in song unashamed, full-on, not holding back. We hear a word from God preached, we pray, we see and hear the Spirit clearly. Then we leave that place and clearly see the idols of the world, the depravity of what is around us hits us like a cold splash in the face and we see the world as God must surely see it. The result is not self-righteous vindication; rather, it inspires us to do something about it, to seek the lost, the lonely, the least. Lord, give us eyes that see the world as you do, but only as much as we can handle. Holy Spirit, guide our thoughts as we seek to understand what we should do this day. Jesus, our redeemer, be our strength as we remember your perfect example and stand in the breach you have revealed to us this day. What if we gathered on Sunday mornings to rekindle the vision God has for our lives? What if we communed with God on a daily basis through reading his word, prayer and meditation, and started each day with a clear understanding of the breach we are to stand in each day? Pray about it, then do something.

We continue to see the ups and downs in history as well as our own lives, but God is steadfast, “his love endures forever.”

Many times he delivered them,
but they were bent on rebellion
and they wasted away in their sin.
Yet he took note of their distress
when he heard their cry;
for their sake he remembered his covenant
and out of his great love he relented.
He caused all who held them captive
to show them mercy.
Psalm 106:43-46

 

For our sake he remembers, he relents, he rescues.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Let all the people say, “Amen!”
Psalm 106:48

 

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