Reading
SAA Notes
Our great problem is that we cannot purge out wickedness from our midst. (v.27-30) It is in our own hearts and minds. We can restrain sin, but not remove it. Unless the Lord does that, there would be only judgment for you and me.
SJA Notes
* Father God, may Your word be to us life and health this day.
“To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen;”
Jeremiah is frustrated!
What’s the big problem?
“… Behold, the word of the LORD is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.”
God’s word was against the church and nation leaders at that time. It is the same word that we read in Ezekiel chapter 13,
“Precisely because they have misled my people, saying ,’Peace,’ when there is not peace, …”
We read a similar word in today’s passage,
“They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”
Are we hearing “Peace” today when there should be none? Are we preaching “It’s okay, peace”, when God wants hearts broken before Him?
It is a hard road Jeremiah and the other prophets walked. They were called to preach God’s word in and out of season.
But then so are we. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy chapter 4,
“… Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
This is for all of us, not just those who have been set apart specifically for the preaching of the word.
We preach in our lives, in how we bear God’s Name. We preach in how His will and word influences our own thoughts, words and deeds.
This is preaching to those around us, this is pointing to Jesus!
* Dear God,
Please help us be faithful to You, even when it costs us.
Please help us to tell people about Jesus, whatever ways You set before us.
Please help us to love Your word, to never neglect it, but always draw it close to us.
Please write Your word upon our hearts Heavenly Father.
Amen.