READING: Jeremiah 1-3
The people of God in Jeremiah’s day were troublesome. They were following the wayward patterns of their ancestors, “following worthless idols” (Jer 2:5, 8, 11). They turned to gods made of wood and said, “You are my father” and to gods of stone, “You gave me birth” (Jer 2:27). They had so many gods that they had as many gods as they had towns (Jer 2:28).
Here’s what strikes me about today’s reading, though. The text describes a people who turned to lifeless, sightless, wordless “gods” in full rebellion against the true God — yet the same text says over 30 times that He spoke to them. I challenge you to read today’s chapters again today and look for phrases like, “The word of the Lord came to him,” “the Lord said,” “declares the Lord,” “said to me,” “declares the Sovereign Lord,” and “consider the word of the Lord.” This God not only is a God who communicates, but He also chooses to communicate in relationship with a people who continually rebel against Him. Indeed, He told them, “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding” (Jer 3:22). God longs for His people to return more than they desire to return — and He wants them to know that.
GOD SPEAKS TO US. He speaks to you.
Think about this truth. Dwell on it. Meditate throughout the day. Stumble over its magnificence. Be halted by its mystery. Lie awake under its weight. Get up with the power of its blessing. Live in its glory today. God Almighty wants to talk to you.
ACTION STEPS:
- Read God’s Word throughout the day — even a verse at a time — and let Him speak to you.
- Think about how many times He has called you to return after you had backslidden.
PRAYER: “God, it’s great that I get to talk to You. What’s even more marvelous, though, is that You talk to me. Thank You for Your Word, Your people, and Your Spirit.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 4-6