READING: Jeremiah 6-8, 1 Timothy 5
“They did not know how to blush.”
Jeremiah 6:15
God was ready to bring judgment on His people. He had been patient, but the time had come that they would suffer the consequences of their choices to reject Him. Indeed, their issues were numerous, as today’s reading shows us:
- So pervasive was their rebellion that no one would listen to God: “To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the Lord is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.” (Jer. 6:10)
- Even the religious leaders lived in greed, falsely assuring God’s people of peace: “For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” (Jer. 6:13-14)
- The people had lost any sense of shame: “Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush.” (Jer. 6:15)
- Their rebellion was blatant and ongoing: “We will not walk in it [God’s way] . . . We will not pay attention.” (Jer. 6:16-17)
- They did not listen to God’s calling: “they have not paid attention to my words . . . . when I spoke to you persistently you did not listen, and when I called you, you did not answer.” (Jer. 6:19, 7:13)
It is no wonder, then, that a righteous God would raise up another nation to bring judgment on His people. Rebellion and disobedience would bring invasion and defeat. And, were it not for the graciousness of a covenant-keeping God, this story would have been over.
Today, I am reminded that my sin matters. To take my rebellion lightly is foolish indeed.
ACTION STEPS:
- Take an extended period of time today to confess your sin.
- Thank God that your rebellion is not the end of the story.
PRAYER: “God, forgive me. Help me to listen intently to You and Your Word today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 9-11, 1 Timothy 6