READING: Jeremiah 44-48, Hebrews 4:14-6:20
The pattern, I’m afraid, is a common one. God admonishes His people about their sin. They don’t always pay attention. God warns them multiple times. Still, they don’t listen—and they bring judgment on themselves. Today’s Old Testament reading reflects this very issue: “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You saw the great disaster I brought on Jerusalem and on all the towns of Judah. Today they lie deserted and in ruins because of the evil they have done. . . .Again and again I sent my servants the prophets, who said, ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!’ But they did not listen or pay attention; . . . Therefore, my fierce anger was poured out’” (Jer 44:2-6).
How is it that we don’t listen to God when He warns us over and over and over again? We forget God’s judgment (and blessings) in the past. We begin to listen to the wrong voices, the wrong messengers. We focus on immediate “safe” choices more than on long-term consequences of our decisions. We convince ourselves that judgment is not imminent. And, we too often go along with the crowd. We find our own idols and cling to them rather than lean on God.
The point? In too many ways, we’re just like the Hebrews of Jeremiah’s day. This day, may we be different! May we listen to Him and obey immediately—regardless of the cost.
PRAYER: “God, forgive me for not always hearing Your warnings. Help me to be faithful today.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pray for someone (perhaps it’s you) who seems to be rejecting God’s warnings.
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 49-50, Hebrews 7