14 July | EVERYONE
“We lie down in our shame, and our reproach covers us. For we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 3:25
It was hurtful to pronounce this message; it made him uncomfortable in the depths of his own being. Jeremiah felt as if, just thinking about it, the people were already suffering, even under the silence of the most beautiful turquoise blue in the sky. These were times of the reign of Josiah, the young monarch who was willing to carry out significant reforms for the people of Israel.
The so-called people of God had abandoned their Creator and had made idols for those they served. But the Lord loved His wayward people, despite their rebellion; and in the voice of his prophet, He invited them to return: “‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not cause my anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not remain angry forever’” (Jeremiah 3:12).
Unfortunately, the rebellious Israelites did not heed that call; but when things got ugly and the people's human plans did not go as they dreamed, they reflected and concluded that the cause of their problems was their distance from God. Then, with tears, they expressed the words of shame contained in today's verse.
What had been the sin of the Israelites? They themselves confessed: "We…have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.” It is not wise to reject the voice of the Lord! He speaks to you through His Word. If you do not pay attention to it, your heart hardens, and you run the risk of ignoring even the last voice of the Holy Spirit.
Take Action
What will you do today about God’s voice? Decide if you want to hear it and follow it now, or if you prefer to wait until shame fills you with tears. Oh, and do not forget that at any time He accepts you as you are and only wants your good.