Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16-30

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’” (Jeremiah 6:15, NLT).

Observation:

Jeremiah reminds the people that there is a way out of their distress. It has been there since ancient times, encoded in the Law which God gave to his people. The Law was good, and its intent was to provide rest (v.16). The people need only walk in the way of the Law—loving God with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) and their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). Jeremiah points out that gifts and sacrifices are not acceptable to God when his Word is rejected (v.19-20).

Application:

Like Jeremiah, I need to observe and to test the value of the paths before me (v.27). Much of what passes as acceptable practice in our society—our priorities, our values, our attitudes, our world view—does not overlay the one true Way, Jesus. Religious observance is of little value if doesn’t function as signposts to keep me on the right path. Only by following Jesus along the pathway of love do I find rest for my soul.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for inspiring your people to record the godly path in Scripture. Thank you for Jesus, your Son, who is the Way, Truth, and the Life. Set my feet firmly upon his path. Keep me eyes steadfast on him. Forgive me when I stubbornly go my own way. Restrain me from worldly shortcuts. Redirect me when I’ve lost my way. Let your Holy Spirit be my constant Guide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture:  Jeremiah 6:1-15

“From the least to the greatest, their lives are ruled by greed. From prophets to priests, they are all frauds. They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:13-14, NLT).

Observation:

The personal sin of greed brought about the destruction of Judah. God’s law provided for the poor by leaving produce behind at harvest (Leviticus 19:9-10). Greed brought about more efficient and profitable harvests for landholders. The welfare of the poor and orphans was denied (Jeremiah 5:28). In a stunning example of “reaping what you sow,” the prophet proclaims that the coming destruction by the Babylonians would be “as when a harvester checks each vine a second time to pick the grapes that were missed” (v.9). Neither old, young, male, nor female would escape (v.11). Greed opposes God’s law; one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Greed drowns out the warning of its ensuing peril (v.10). When God’s law of love is scorned for personal gain, true wisdom is unknown. Fraudulent religious systems created to lighten the guilt of greed offer no remedy nor direction for the wages of sin.

Application:

I need to be on my guard against every kind of greed (Luke 12:15). Since greed is the selfish desire to have more than is needed, greed is not just the domain of the wealthy. Greed can manifest as fearing not having enough for the future. Greed can be holding tightly to what I have and showing no compassion to those in need (1 John 3:17). Greed is the idolatry of serving one’s desires and fears rather than God who supplies all my needs (Philippians 4:19).

Prayer:

Father, thank you for supplying all my needs. Thank you for your generous grace and patience with me. Purge me of my greed. Show me how to trust you more and serve you more fully. Fill me with truth and banish fraudulent ideas that obscure how you would have me live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture:   Jeremiah 5:20-31

“Have you no respect for me? Why don’t you tremble in my presence? I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set” (Jeremiah 5:22, NLT).

Observation:

Jeremiah’s audience are foolish; they deny God exists and cares (v.21). They are senseless; they do not reason correctly that God who created and tames the sea has set boundaries which should not be crossed (v.22). They have abandoned God and so deprived themselves of blessings (v.23-24). Yet they do not perceive the lack (v.25). They have adopted the lies of false prophets as beliefs. Like their priests, they like using this deceitful system to gain power and wealth (v.31). They prey upon the innocent, fatherless, and poor to gain their desires (v.26-28). Although they recognize no limit to their evil (v.28), God has passed judgment against them and will not relent (v.29).

Application:

God’s power can bring comfort. Knowing God is in control and will bring an end to evil sets my mind at rest. In the difficult times of my life, I can trust that his way is best, even when I cannot understand, because all options are open to him. Yet I also need to allow God’s power to check the rebellious impulse to go my own way. Failure to acknowledge his sovereignty results in empty, false religion ending in societal collapse and estrangement from God. I dare not misconstrue God’s patience with my selfishness as approval. Religious pretense to justify sin is folly. God’s judgment of sin is as real as the boundaries he has enforced upon the ocean.

Prayer:

Father, Creator of all that is seen and unseen, teach me to respect you. Thank you for the boundaries you assign to all that you have made. Keep me within those boundaries, and guide me into truth. Strip me of pretense. May the worship that I offer honor you as God alone. Forgive my rebellious ways, and keep my eyes fixed on your Son, the author and finisher of faith. In whose name I pray, Amen.