Scripture: Jeremiah 10:1-16

“But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including Israel, his own special possession. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!” (Jeremiah 10:16, NLT).

Observation:

Among this denunciation of idolatry, Jeremiah offers God high praise. Unlike an idol of gold-covered wood, the Lord speaks to Israel (v.1). Idols are toted for they have no power, but even God’s name has power (v.5,6). Wooden idols are crafted by men, but God created the heavens and the earth (v.16). Idols have no help to give, but God preserves the earth by his wisdom (v.12). Seeking an idol’s help is futile, but the Lord of Heaven’s Armies can defend the people he has made his special inheritance (v.16).

Application:

It’s easy to laugh at Jeremiah’s description of people bowing down to and seeking counsel from a chunk of wood they’ve made into a god. Yet my idols—the things I’ve created to give me advice, help, and power—are just as laughable. How frustrated God must be when I consult self-help books rather than pray for his Spirit’s enlightenment of his Word. How useless are bank accounts, retirement funds, and insurance in the face of real tragedy. How powerless I remain when I use my own resources rather than ask for the Creator’s powerful intervention.

Prayer:

Father, thank you that are God alone. There is none like you! Forgive me for turning to what I have created and prized instead of to you. Draw me deeper into yourself, and make me your special possession. Prompt me to come to you, powerful loving God, who can change my heart, my life, and my world. Keep me steadfast in my dependence on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:15-26

“But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:24, NLT).

Observation:
God reveals to Jeremiah a horrible picture of the coming death, destruction, and desolation of the ancient residents of Jerusalem (v.15-22). God allows this punishment by the Babylonian invaders because they honored God’s covenant only in their bodies (circumcision), but not in their hearts (v.25,26). Their riches, power, and wisdom will be of no help to them (v.23). The only ones left standing will be those who who know God and understand his delight in unfailing love, justice, and righteousness (v.24).

Application:

To know God involves understanding who he is and in what he delights. In these verses, God identifies himself as LORD, covenant-making Yahweh, “I am.” God delights in those who enter into covenant with him and bring forth his attributes. When I am in covenant, I am motivated by unfailing love, the correct impulse. I also view others with justice, correct judgment, according all people compassion and honor for Christ died for us all. My life also displays righteousness, correct actions, prompted by God’s Spirit in me. Outward signs of the covenant (baptism, communion, Scripture reading, gathering with believers) have their place in my life. Yet only my heart changed and shaped by God’s covenant of love through Jesus will endure.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your unfailing love. Forgive my stubborn ways of relying on my own wisdom, strength, and resources. Draw me deeper into covenant with your Son. Transform my heart. May it beat at the impulse of your love, honoring others as those for whom your Son has died. Let my actions be prompted by your Spirit and bring honor to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture:  Jeremiah 9:2-14

“My people bend their tongues like bows to shoot out lies. They refuse to stand up for the truth. They only go from bad to worse. They do not know me,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 9:3, NLT).

Observation:

All sin involves a lie, that is, that we can say and do what we want without repercussions. Much like Pinocchio’s growing nose, lying has a sinful progression. It begins when people refuse to stand up for the truth (v.3). Family members use lies to take advantage of each other (v.4). Friends slander one another (v.4) and defraud each other (v.5). People scheme against their neighbors while speaking friendly words (v.8). They become “practiced” at telling lies to the extent they no longer acknowledge God (v.6). The truth of God is abandoned, and his instructions are not obeyed (v.13).

Application:

David, in his prayer of repentance, writes that God desires truth in our inmost being. Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life is clear that true worshipers worship in spirit and truth. The apostle Paul warns us to stop telling lies and tell our neighbors the truth. So why is lying so difficult to completely overcome? In what way, could God possibly be served by my playing fast and loose with the truth? As Paul would say, “God forbid”–it’s not possible. Perhaps lies– exaggerations, omissions, excuses, avoidance of truth–come about because of unbelief. Do I really believe that God has redeemed me, taken away my sin and guilt, made me righteous, and is pleased with me? If I don’t, I’m more vulnerable to lying to make myself appear better than I am to myself, to others, and to God. When I cling to truth of His love for me, it’s okay to appear naïve, foolish, ignorant, or incompetent in others’ eyes. Even my sin has a remedy; admitting, apologizing, and seeking forgiveness for it strengthen my relationship with God and others.
Telling others, “I’m a sinner saved by grace,” may be the most life-transforming truth I can share.

Prayer:

Father, forgive my unbelief. Fill me instead with confidence in your redeeming love. Search me and know my heart. Purge me of my lies. Cause truth to dwell in my inmost being. Lead me away from the temptation of lying. Draw me to your Son, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1

“Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why is there no healing for the wounds of my people?” (Jeremiah 8:22, NLT).

Observation:

These are rhetorical questions. God is the Great Physician, and his grace is healing medicine. The people have wounded themselves with their worthless religion. Then they let their wounds fester by resisting the prophet’s call to repentance. Healing is unavailable to them because they will not seek the One who heals. Although his people could be redeemed, Jeremiah mourns because they will not turn to the Redeemer and be healed.

Application:

Do I mourn the sad estate of those who resist the gospel? These passages call me to greater compassion for the lost and to great hope for their healing. No circumstance, sin, addiction, or depravity is beyond the healing power of the God I serve. Rather than look away or pass judgment, I need to pray. Jesus has promised to draw all people to him through his death (John 12:32). Life can begin with a simple acceptance of his grace.

Prayer:

Father, create in me compassion for your wounded world. Draw my lost friends and family members to you. Forgive me for withdrawing, passing by on the other side, and passing judgment. Fill me instead with courage to share the great hope of your Son’s triumph over sin and his power to heal and to forgive. Thank you for healing and forgiving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.