The words of the Lord here are a somber charge against the children of Israel. God compares them to the nations of idolaters surrounding them -- unfavorably, I might add.
The other nations remain faithful to their idols, even though those idols are powerless to help them. But the people of God have exchanged the glory of God for worthless idols. The heavens are to be appalled and shudder with horror.
These verses are as valuable for us today as they were for the nation of Israel when Jeremiah was speaking them.
We have exchanged the glory of God for the idol of secular humanism. God is no longer the measure by which we judge ourselves. Man is to be the measure of all things.
This shift in values can lead only to destruction. It smacks of the fall of an angel to become a demon.
Our only hope lies in prayer followed by appropriate action. God calls us to pray for the nation and He promises to hear us. But there is action in the call besides just praying. Those actions are humble themselves, pray, seek and turn. Prayer is only a part of it.
Humble ourselves, recognize that we are not the measure of all things.
Pray, get on our knees and petition the Lord, recognizing His Sovereignty.
Seek, actively study to learn more of Him.
Turn, change our behaviors - another way to say repent.
We are called to these actions to try to save our nation from the destruction appointed for the idolatrous.
Father, God,
Show us our place in Your scheme of things. Keep us mindful of our pettiness in the face of Your majesty. Help us to follow Your call to action for our homeland. Stay Your hand yet a little longer while Your faithful pray and seek change.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
1 comment:
Amen!
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