July 26, 2021
What does it say?
For 23 years the people of Judah continually rejected God’s messages through His prophet Jeremiah, provoking God’s anger and His judgment against them.
What does it mean?
God had shown mercy to the Jewish people by sending His prophets over and over again. With each one, though, they continued to disobey the law, worship idols, and reject God’s warnings. Still, His judgment was not immediate. Rather than respond to His mercy, they continued to disobey, reflecting attitudes of stubbornness and pride. God’s longsuffering of their rebellion had come to an end, and they would suffer 70 years of captivity in Babylon. After that time, God would free them and judge the Babylonian Empire for the ruthless treatment of His people.
How should I respond?
Stop and evaluate your own rebellion. We too sometimes choose stubbornness and pride instead of obedience to the Lord. What other attitudes hinder you from experiencing closeness with God? How has the Lord put the same message in front of you time after time? Have you listened and followed through, or have you just let it go in one ear and out the other? Thankfully, God is merciful and patient. Because He desires a close relationship with you, He will not allow you to continue in rebellion. How will you respond to His mercy?|Further reading: Jeremiah 25:15-38