July 4, 2021
What does it say?
Jeremiah warned God’s people that disaster was on its way due to their disobedience. He challenged them to turn to Him with hearts moved to repentance.
What does it mean?
Jeremiah urged Judah to turn to the Lord in repentance. God’s chosen people had lost all discernment between good and evil. As a matter of fact, they were very skilled in doing evil and ignorant of what was good. They needed to understand fully the consequences of abandoning the Lord and His commands. No punishment was too harsh if it meant recapturing their unfaithful hearts. God’s warnings reinforced His desire for His people to repent and turn to Him for rescue. Ignoring the warnings of God’s prophet would seal Judah’s fate.
How should I respond?
Good parents teach their children from a young age to avoid danger. We understand that parents lovingly warn and discipline their kids to keep them out of harm’s way. God’s warnings in Scripture are no different. Because God loves us, He warns us about the devastating consequences of disobedience. The Lord says, “Do not” in order to protect us from harm. What biblical warning have you ignored? What are the likely consequences? Ask God to help you recognize where your heart has gone astray. His Word is a gift to guide our choices. Will you choose to heed His warnings today?