August 27, 2010
Scripture: It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence. Jeremiah 52:3
Observation: Israel (Judah) has forsaken God so many times that He has finally had enough. There is no attempt on their part to change, no desire to repent, not even any longer an ability to blush. But, is there not a point when God says, “Enough!? I have warned you repeatedly. Yet, you continue to want to get away with murder, and pervert justice, and follow gods that are no gods. The end of softness and turning a blind eye has come.” Is this tough love on God’s part? Really, really tough? Are they merely reaping the consequences of their own actions? Forsake God, and the fabric of the nation rots.
Application: I am far more comfortable with a God of grace than a God of wrath. I want mercy and forgiveness and love. I don’t want punishment and discipline and defeat. But the Bible says that God disciplines the one He loves. He says “No” to my sin, in order to mold me into the person He has created me to be.
Prayer: Lord, I fear for our nation and Your church when I remember that You are just. Must there not come a day of reckoning? How long will You ignore the murder of children, the worshiping of false gods? When will You bring us up short to rein in our evil ways and sinfulness? Forgive us when we rebel. Forgive me when I stray. Show me Your mercy. Teach me to do Your will. In Jesus’ strong and loving name.