So, in case you didn't get the message about idols, it is reiterated AGAIN....people want to know the future, but an idol, the stars and anything other than God won't do it.....God has a plan and His plan is what is going to happen. Jeremiah again talks about the upcoming destruction....the shepherds in 10:21 are the evil leaders and the scattered flock is Judah. I love Jeremiah's prayer in 10:23-25...do you see anything relevant in it today?
Chapter 11 gets serious. Not only are the people choosing to disobey, they have DEAD OUT broken the covenant. God tells Jeremiah not to even pray for the people.....Yikes. God reveals a plot that is going on against Jeremiah from people in his own hometown...God will take care of these people.
Jeremiah is upset and complains to God because the wicked people seem to prosper....we should always feel like we can talk with God about anything...God answers Jeremiah and says, "Look, if you think it is tough now, you haven't seen anything yet." What a bummer for this prophet. We are to remain committed to God even when the going gets tough. Sometimes our prayers don't bring immediate relief, but they are most definitely heard.
God has creative ways of having Jeremiah "act out" what is to come. Apparently, the linen belt was one of the more intimate pieces of clothing, clinging close to the body....rather like underwear.....This showed how God would ruin Judah just as Jeremiah ruined the linen belt....pride had made the people of Judah useless. God threatens captivity, and even this does not make the people repent. God is going to shame them...
because you have forgotten me
and trusted in false gods.
I will pull up your skirts over your face
that your shame may be seen
your adulteries and lustful neighings
your shameless prostitution...
Again the marriage relationship shows unfaithfulness....
Look what comes up from the depths of the sea.
After you read, feel free to make a comment or ask a question in the comment box. You can sign up as a follower on the right, or you can sign up by e-mail at the bottom if you would like to follow the whole year. You may also chose to simply read along and make no comments. Whatever you choose. If you fall behind, as most people will do, don't worry...the whole year is here and you can catch up at your own speed. I highly encourage you to stick with it, If you read the Bible, you are going to mine some real jewels and insights.
No comments:
Post a Comment