Today you should read: Jeremiah 16:1-18
Today, in Jeremiah 16, God is getting even more clear with the judgment that is coming. He is instructing Jeremiah to not just proclaim this coming judgment with his words but with his life. To show this God places several restrictions, even some that we would scratch our heads about, on Jeremiah’s life (v.1-9). This was to show the people that what is coming is going to disrupt life. It is going to disrupt relationships. It is not going to be fun. It is going to be hard.
God tells Jeremiah that the people are not going to understand this and they are going to cry out “Why has the LORD pronounced all of this great evil on us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin we have committed against the Lord our God?” (v.10)
Is this not us? How often do we overlook our sin, or minimize it, or say “it is not that bad”? We have to understand that all sin is against God.
Then God is going to take them on a journey. He is going to show them how they got to where they are. It started with their FATHERS. They did not raise their children to be followers of God (v.11) and because of that, they did not follow God… They were worse than their fathers (v.12). Ultimately they live with a “stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen…” (v.12). Because of this judgment is coming (v.13).
It is easy for us to come down on them but we must not forget that we too often live like that. We live stubbornly… refusing to listen.
We also learn that as parents (and even if we don’t have kids) people are watching and they are learning what it looks like to follow God from us. This is especially true with kids. I know the biggest impact on me was watching my dad live this out. We have to EMBRACE the fact that others are watching them and walk with God for (1) God, (2) us, and (3) them.
But then God reminds them, as He reminds us in our sin, He brings restoration. Israel’s story was not over and neither is ours. They were living like the pen was in their hand but really God was writing their story (v.14-16) and God had a plan to redeem Judah and forgive their sin through Jesus. He offers this same restoration to us.
Where have you noticed a “stubborn, evil will” and a “refusal to listen” popping up in your heart?
Take a second and confess that to God, repent of it, and run to Jesus today who loves you and desires you!
We love you CPC!
By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate – College
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