Jeremiah – Page 19 – Be Still…

Jeremiah 2:14-22 – Consequence of Sin

The Lord’s rage continues as Jeremiah tells us what will happen because of the sinfulness. It’s not a pretty picture. Did the people not think about the consequences to their actions? It’s hard to know what motivated the people to choose idols, mere images of foreign gods, over the one true God. We can look at people making similar choices today and wonder why, for instance, they chose to sleep in versus getting up for church.

That’s a simplistic example. I used to feel extremely guilty when I found myself too busy to spend quality time with God. I’m not sure I thought about what the consequences might be. Would God stop loving me? Would he let bad things happen to me? Would he stop fighting my battles?

Jeremiah 2:4-13 – Where is the Lord?

Read Jeremiah 2:4-13

I hear such desperation in God’s tone, lamenting over how his children have abandoned him. Jeremiah is going to teach us how intimately God knows us and cares for us. We started this trek down memory lane in our last reading, and now God remembers how his people have responded to him. We’ve got the Bible history to see for ourselves how these people drifted away.

But it isn’t just “those people,” God’s chosen ones. When we look around our own communities, we see similar apathy toward God. There are those who deny God’s existence and there are those who acknowledge there’s a higher power but don’t have any interest in having a relationship with an invisible deity. What about you? Where is God for you?

Jeremiah 2:1-3 – Memory Lane

Read Jeremiah 2:1-3

gate with brick columns with road on other side

Taking a stroll down memory lane can be refreshing. Especially when we tap into our family of faith memories. Scripture passages abound where you’ll find characters quoting another Scripture verse. Jesus was particularly good at that and would often update or fulfill that very Scripture.

Jeremiah shows us how God used that very recollection of happier times to remind people of his great achievement and provision for their loved ones. That’s a great strategy for us today, especially if we’re about to deliver some unwanted or unexpected news.

Jeremiah 1:11-19 – Hearing God’s Voice

Read Jeremiah 1:11-19

This appears to be Jeremiah’s first message from God, and what a doozy it is! For me, it’s one of those “double-take” moments. Did I really read what I thought I read? God just told Jeremiah that he (God) is going to raise up foreign powers to crush his beloved Israelites for their disobedience. What do you suppose Jeremiah did when he first heard that? The key take away is that God is in control and will orchestrate this destruction.

Just the mere experience of hearing God’s voice would be enough to bless my whole existence! Jeremiah received so much more! Today, we don’t hear many people talking about “conversations” they’ve had with God. I’m quite sure they are happening, however. I’ve always hoped to have the honor and privilege of being chosen in that way. And then it happened!

Jeremiah 1:1-10 – Jeremiah’s Call

Read Jeremiah 1:1-10

cell phone screen with message "Opportunity calling" with accept or reject buttons

Jeremiah had an excuse for why he didn’t think he could speak for God. He thought he was too young. God didn’t think so. We’ve probably used excuses like Jeremiah to plea with God when we are being called to do something uncomfortable. Can you recall a time when you felt unprepared and wondered how God was going to use you?

As we walk through the book of Jeremiah together, it will be helpful to keep in mind that overall, Jeremiah’s message is one of hope set against the backdrop of political disaster and immense human suffering. This should be helpful for us today in finding hope in a world that seems a little out of control.