It’s inevitable. We are going to sin. But how far do we have to fall before we realize we need help? Are we as blind as God’s “flock” that we can’t see our own destruction happening before our eyes? Who do we blame for our predicaments? Don’t be in denial about your weaknesses as you read through this. Jeremiah tells us what we can do. “Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late.” Acknowledge him. Listen and pay attention to his voice.
When we read through Scripture, we shouldn’t just read the words but let them percolate a little and speak to our hearts. It’s easy for us to look at what’s happening in Jeremiah’s day and dismiss it as “just history.” But history does repeat itself as we’ve seen time and again. The situations may be different, but the motivations remain the same. People continue to be separated from God because of their sinfulness.
Rather than point the finger at others, trying to make ourselves feel better, we need to look deep inside and acknowledge our own struggles and weaknesses. Have you ever cried out to God asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Jeremiah would suggest, “It is because of your many sins!”
Have you ever wondered what you did to deserve such an outcome? Jeremiah said, “Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Can a leopard take away its spots? Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil.” Our sinful nature is just that, part of us.
This brings up the notion of whether we can ever change. I’ve seen people make startling life choices that turn their lives around—in both good and bad ways. If our hearts are hard, it does take a lot longer for the truth to get through. What are the messages that spoke to your heart today? For me, it’s that I never want to forget about God.
I want to acknowledge God not only quietly in my heart but in how I live my life. It may be a bold move, but I want to act in such a way that people see Jesus living in me. I don’t see this as a curse or as a requirement but something I want to do.
1 John 1:5-7 shows us how it works. “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” Let those verses sit with you for an extra second or two.
I can only hope and pray that my love for Jesus is contagious. If only other people would be hungry to know the Savior I am devoted to. I’m afraid for them if they don’t know any better or blindly believe they will be okay. Without Jesus, their hope is bleak. He is the true light in the darkness.
Are you hiding in the shadows of darkness or are you seeking the light? What are you ready to do to get back on track yourself or help others do the same?
Let’s pray … Lord, help me be a shining example of your love to draw people to you and your light. Forgive me for those times when I have felt weak and unprepared to speak for you. Open my mouth to share your peace with those around me. Thank you for your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
