Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
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We read some harsh words today from God to Israel in Jeremiah chapters 2 & 3 - calling the nation a prostitute and an adulteress. These are not words a person wants to hear from God - much less an entire nation hearing these words! Jeremiah wrote this book during the last 40 years of Judah's existence, which is not surprising to consider when we read this in chapter 3 verses 8 through 10 - "But now Judah, too, has left me and given herself to prostitution. Israel treated it all so lightly--she thought nothing of committing adultery by worshiping idols made of wood and stone. So now the land has been greatly defiled. But in spite of all this, her faithless sister Judah has never sincerely returned to me. She has only pretended to be sorry," says the LORD." Again, not words you want to hear from God. Can you imagine a much worse insult from God? A prostitute? An adulteress? As harsh as these words are - I almost hesitate to ask this - But I think I should - Today, are we ourselves ever a "prostitute" or an "adulteress" to God? Do we give ourselves over to sins and lusts and false loves that break God's heart because of his love for us? Well, when we act in such a bad way, we are fortunate that God says things like he did in verse 1 of chapter 3 of Jeremiah today - "But you have prostituted yourself with many lovers, says the LORD. Yet I am still calling you to come back to me." Even though we may sin gravely against God, he still calls us to come back to Him! Through Jesus today we can come back to Him! Do you need to come back to Him in any way in your life? Will you? Will you leave behind any and all "adulteress" or "prostitute" behaviors, and return to Him simply as the child of God that you were always made to be?
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the fantastic worship song "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?" by Delirious. For some reason every time I hear the lyric "open up the doors and let the music play, let the streets resound with singing" I am reminded of a trip to the Dominican Republic I took several years ago to work on houses with Habitat for Humanity. Walking down the dusty streets of a tiny village in the DR I distinctly remember the doors being open, the music playing and the streets resounding with the singing of children playing. God's presence was so real and tangible to me on that dusty little village in the DR. I pray you've had or will have a similar experience with God walking down "a street that has no name!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIR5zFSkWUY
Have you felt the mountains tremble? Click here and let the music play!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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