I’m reading right now the book of Jeremiah in the Bible. He has a tough message to give the people. They have pranced around in a masquerade as God’s people but did not really know Him. Their hearts were far from the Lord as they paid Him lip service, deluded into thinking their Abrahamic lineage could save them.
This is what the Father tells Jeremiah to say:
“My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns,
broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
-Jeremiah 2:13
Israel ran to worthless idols, forsaking God and binding themselves as slaves to lifeless, manmade objects. The people sought purpose, satisfaction and love apart from God, coming up empty, yet lusting for more. They loved their idols more than cultivating a genuine relationship with the Lord.
They loved their idols more…
It doesn’t sound much different than our world. And it isn’t just “us” pointing the finger at “them” and their depravity. I was convicted in reading Jeremiah’s words too. How often do I run after other things, ANYTHING, other than the One who created me?
Like chasing the wind in a desert, I can commit spiritual adultery too. Reading through this book is humbling. I want to daily bring myself before the Father asking Him to guide my decisions.
There is nothing new under the sun. I think it’s spiritually healthy for believers to take stock of where our treasures are. Do I want what God can give me, more than I want God? One is soul killing, the other soul saving.
Who or what satisfies you today?
We can still be His children even when we stumble but it isn’t His plan for us. The Israelites abused God’s grace and patience. They had no real heritage with Him as they continued to reject God’s love. Those who continue to fight against the Creator doing as they please were never His to begin with.
God wants our hearts so that we worship Him alone.
We are made to be worshippers- and we all worship something. Is it the Lord? Let us not be deceived into spiritual complacency and compartmentalize God just on Sundays thinking “we’re okay” or good enough if we check a box.
Through His Son Jesus we are called to so much more. Chasing the temporary can’t bring contentment. He has equipped us together with all the saints to pursue Him in holiness, in love. We have the privilege to honor Christ today as humble warriors!
Delight in the One who gave everything for you.
Believer, you are lavished in God’s consuming love. You are protected in Christ’s righteousness. You are guided by the Holy Spirit.
Anything other than our Father will let you down. That’s a promise. Trust in His wisdom for your life and worship God alone today.
Grace upon grace,
April
Beautiful. A timely message for us all. You express your thoughts so well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello April,
I’m reading Isaiah and had the same thoughts as you. I too often run after things other than Christ. The book of Isaiah has been a mirror. I didn’t mind looking in it provided the image reflected back was flattering. But honestly, the image reflected a painful truth that I was putting other gods before Him, and not doing what He asked of me. Thank you for another thought provoking and important post. You and your family have a lovely week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Oh I love that image of viewing the Scriptures like looking into a mirror. James talks about this too in 1:23-25. It really is the mirror to our hearts to show us what we’re really like. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here. I hope you have a wonderful week as well.
LikeLike