THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 6-8
“They went backward and not forward.” (Jeremiah 7:24)
These chapters from Jeremiah review how messed up God’s people had become.
They still worshiped, they still went to the temple, they still made sacrifices.
But they were also falling deeper into sinful, shameless and cruel immorality.
They were even sacrificing their children to Molech and Baal (7:30-31).
God does not demand immediate perfection, but He does ask for intention.
The intention to do what is right, and the effort to obey His will.
His will is not harsh or unfair, it is for our own good, it protects life!
They were moving backwards, becoming less and less holy as time went on.
All their temple-worship meant nothing, they were not improving.
As Jesus followers, we know that we are forgiven through Jesus.
But does that make us lazy, or does that inspire us to be better?
We cannot stand still with God; we naturally drift if we do not work a it.
We are prone to wander, unless we take steps to grow and improve.
Are you growing or drifting, are you going backward or forward?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, being saved is not enough, I need to work out my salvation with sincere and serious effort. Help me not to use grace as an excuse to stay where am. Help me to make every effort to add to my faith!