SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 8:18-9:6
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
It is not clear to me who is speaking here, but as I read through it I concluded that it was God. This is remarkable, because He speaks of needing comfort in His sorrow, of His heart being weak as He hears the cry of His people suffering the consequences of their sinful folly. He is crushed with His people, even though He allowed them to reap the consequences of their sins. Jeremiah is probably speaking of his own sorrow (weeping day and night) and relating it to God’s sorrow. The fact is, the people have become so wicked, so cruel, so heartless, that they have to be stopped. But even then, it is still hard to watch proper discipline against your own beloved child.
I compare this to a parent who has to turn in their child to the law for a serious crime, knowing that punishment is the only way to stop and hopefully change their stubborn heart. It has gotten so serious, that something drastic has to be done to address the problem.
The point is, God is not a cruel, vengeful God. He repeatedly does what He can to get our attention, to warn us to change. And when He does allow us to suffer for our sins, He weeps with us.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to sense Your pain and suffering when I sin and suffer. Help me to see that it truly hurts You more than it hurts me when You discipline me. Amen.
The people did what was right in their own eyes. They were a law unto themselves. They died in their own sins because they did not receive the balm of Gilead – the healing of their Saviour, Jesus Christ. Their choice was in themselves, not a Saviour. They were blinded and did nor could not see the need to turn unto God through Christ Jesus and the guidance of His Spirit. They had no knowing of God, so how could they do His will and show His love among the people?
During this reason for the season, I pray that my eyes may continue to see Jesus as my Master Whom I serve always. May others see HIM in me, so that they too will know Him and know the road unto salvation. I pray that we may willingly serve our King . Like Joshua may we too proclaim, but for me and my household, we will serve the living God.
All to Jesus I surrender;
all to him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust him,
in his presence daily live.