SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 14-20
The Old Testament Church (Israel) had become really corrupt, cruel, immoral, wicked, greedy, selfish…
God challenges them through Jeremiah, and warns them that the day of punishment is coming.
Jeremiah is the bearer of these bad tidings, and he is attacked because of them.
In these chapters, Jeremiah brings God’s message, but also complains to God for how he is treated.
They are shooting the messenger, and he is suffering because of God’s warning message.
What does God want to say the the New Testament Church, and am I prepared to be the messenger?
I don’t sense that the Church has gotten as bad as Israel was at this time.
But I do sense that we are losing our way, at least in the North American/European version of Church I know.
We have become worldly, we are living it up for ourselves rather than loving it out for others.
We put on a good show, and speak very religiously, but we still focus on ourselves and our own needs/desires more than anything else.
“To the angel of the church in North America write: ‘These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:14-20)
Not a pleasant message to be the messenger for.
Am I prepared to deliver this challenge to the church in North America (there are exceptions, but in general we have become worldly, self-focused, hypocritical, judgmental).
But to give this message, I also need to hear it for myself too.
If the North American Church needs to repent, then so do I!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I sense that I have become lukewarm too. Easily distracted, more concerned about my own comfort and happiness. Help me to hear Your rebuke through Jeremiah, and to repent.
Observation/Application
God speaks to His people through nature – His creation – like drought/famine – because of the sins of His people. We need to listen to the Word of the Lord each day anew. Even the religious leaders were not speaking God’s Word. The people rejected the Lord and therefor the destruction.
The people lived their own lives with no regard for the Lord. One generation after another went their own way. Our sins are visited upon our children.
Where does my help come from? My Help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He is my nourishment each day. I need to listen to His Voice each say and follow in His Way and walk in it. Obey the Word of the Lord.
How hard-hearted am I insisting upon my own way. How stiff-necked?
As the people then, so I too need to be driven by His Word – to be driven from His fire within us. Lead me and guide me Lord in the way I must go.
1. Spirit of God, dwell Thou within my heart;
Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.
2. I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.
3. Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart, and strength, and mind;
I see Thy cross–there teach my heart to cling:
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find.
4. Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.