READING: Jeremiah 6-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-3:13
I find Jeremiah 7:16 to be one of the saddest verses in the Bible. The people of God had so turned to idolatry—including involving the entire family in false religion—that God told Jeremiah not even to intercede for them: “As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not offer a cry or a prayer on their behalf, and do not beg me, for I will not listen to you.” The people had not listened to God, and now God would not listen to prayers on their behalf.
This text certainly doesn’t give us permission to stop praying for others, but it does remind us that God does draw lines in the sand. People can cross those lines. Judgment becomes inevitable. Hope disappears. God will not be mocked.
And, actually, I’m reminded to pray even more for people who seem to be rejecting God and the gospel. My prayer is that they will repent before judgment knocks on their door. I do not want them to grow so hardened that God chooses not to hear prayers of their behalf. So, if you are not a Christian today, I encourage you to turn to God this day. Maybe this simple illustration will help you understand the gospel: https://vimeo.com/97258323.
PRAYER: “God, turn my family and friends to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 8-10, 1 Timothy 3:14-5:2
