For twenty-three years, Jeremiah pleaded for his people to pay attention. I wonder if he felt helpless as he watched his neighbors in Judah build their Asherah poles and bow to the stars and Baal. Perhaps he felt a knot in his stomach whenever he saw the shimmering idols, or laid awake at night weeping for the children sacrificed to bloodthirsty false gods (Jeremiah 7:31; 2 Kings 17:7–17).
It’s the same helplessness we feel when a loved one makes one destructive choice after another, or when we see the church we love caught up in shame and scandal. An all too human helplessness, knowing that no matter how much we plead, cry, warn, or rage, we can’t force anyone to change.
Now take that feeling, that longing, and set it next to the deep well of sorrow and anger in Jeremiah’s words. See it as only a pale reflection of the depths of God’s broken heart. This hard passage forces us to wrestle with questions of suffering and judgment and anger. God is tired of watching this chosen nation waste their inheritance and love on empty idols. Instead of following the humble way—seeing their land as a gift and honoring the Giver with their lives—they start to imitate their powerful neighbors. With a king and some land and a little bit of power, they seem to forget their utter dependence on the Creator, and when prophets come along to warn them of danger, they shrug it off and keep living comfortably. Jeremiah laments, “You have not obeyed or even paid attention. He announced, ‘Turn, each of you, from your evil way of life and from your evil deeds. Live in the land the LORD gave to you and your ancestors long ago and forever’” (Jeremiah 25:4–5). In the end, they brought disaster on themselves (v.7).
What do we do with the tension between this explosive message and God’s unrelenting mercy? Because for all these words about wrath and judgment, we know this broken path will someday lead to Jesus, God in vulnerable human form. We know further in the future, Jesus’s friend Peter will write once again about suffering, reminding a new generation that judgment and cleansing sometimes have to “begin with God’s household” (1 Peter 4:17). And we know that it is even so today, when secret sin is exposed, when leaders are brought low, when we find ourselves confronting the violent legacy of generations before us.
It’s sobering, but this suffering isn’t meant to bring shame. In this season of Lent, maybe it’s helpful to remember that repentance begins in the smallest of ways, perhaps with these two simple words: pay attention. Pay attention to your life, to the little choices. Do they nudge you toward life or death? Do they keep you humbly looking more like Jesus, or do they help you climb higher in the systems of the world? Repentance means, quite literally, turning around when you see yourself on the road to destruction. May we all join the weeping prophet in calling each other to a better way, and “entrust ourselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good” (1 Peter 4:19).
Jen Rose Yokel is a poet, writer, a spiritual director in training, and a contributing writer at The Rabbit Room. Originally from Central Florida, she now makes her home in Fall River, Massachusetts, with her husband Chris. Some of her favorite things include used bookstores and good coffee. You can find more of her writing at jenroseyokel.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @jen_rose.
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48 thoughts on "The Seventy-Year Exile"
Wow, this was a phenomenal word. I feel a stirring in my heart to pay attention, to look differently than the world in this insane season we are in. I feel the warning in these words, but also the joy of obedience.
Lord help me to pay attention.
I’m reading Daniel 9 today for my QT and Jeremiah 25 relates so well to it. We need to pray for our nation and our world. If you listen to davidjeremiah.org/radio today it’s a great reminder of God’s sovereignty.
For 23 years Jeremiah warned the people to repent and be obedient to God. They did not listen and judgement came. I know by God’s Grace only would I have that much patience for the people. Gives me hope and encouragement to not lose sight of the gospel for the lost especially loved ones.
“It’s sobering, but this suffering isn’t meant to bring shame.” Wow, this is how I am feeling today. Due to covid-19 I’m temporarily laid off, which means no payday. So in this suffering I’m ashamed of how I have trusted in money and my job and how I have been a poor steward of my finances. If I was more prepared … shame on me for…
But Jesus took that shame. I need to remember. And Yes Pay attention! Not get caught up in my shame giving it the spotlight but get caught up in my Savior! Thank you Jesus for taking my shame. May I continually turn to You. Keep my eyes on you. Shine your light in the darkness. Seek to serve you and others instead of me. Praise You Lord!
Blessed beyond measure by this study. Love SRT
“Pay attention to your life, to the little choices.”
THIS is what I need to remember! It’s all of the little things along the way. They are leading me closer to or further from God. I can’t ignore the little decisions I make or the little actions I take and pretend that the smallest things don’t matter, because they do. Often it’s the smallest things that matter most. I pray that I *will* pay attention and that the daily steps I take lead me closer to Him.
PAY ATTENTION! I’ve felt this message bubbling up in my soul over the part few months. I should heed it!
In these times of self-isolation and home church, it’s the best time to change habits and really seek God. I’ve heard word that this could be an Acts revival for the Church. Amen!
It’s been so interesting to read through Jeremiah during this particular time when the whole world is in havoc. My pastor did a sermon series on Jeremiah a while back called “Strange Times, Strange Land.” I’ve been listening to it again during Lent and, wow, it’s just struck me again and again how these unprecedented times are so strange. However, just as Jeremiah did, we can bring God’s hope and light into the world now, when so much darkness and uncertainty and death seems to be looming over anything.
I agree with you Carol, I’ve been wondering the same, if we’ll see a revival and awakening as we see the effects of the virus. I know and trust that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. I have full faith that He can use these scary times for good as well, just as He did with the times Jeremiah lived in.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:17–19
I drove home from my sister’s yesterday. It’s an 11-12 hour drive. During that drive, I drive through some of the most gorgeous mountains in the Blue Ridge. It’s a route I’ve driven close to 100 times, and I never tire of it. Yesterday, it was gray, drizzly and foggy. Yet, I was still in awe.
Our nation and world is facing a highly contagious virus. As I drove yesterday, I saw houses of worship closed on a Sunday morning. I know many churches live stream and some even did Facebook Live yesterday to reach their congregations. Nothing is impossible with God!
I also took our president’s call to a day of prayer to heart. I drove a lot of that distance in silence. No radio. My goal was to sing hymns and pray as I drove across half of our nation.
As I read Jeremiah this morning, it’s hard not to see our present state reflected back to us. I can’t help to wonder how God will use this time of “captivity” in our homes. I can’t help but think of Jesus spending 40 days in the desert. I can’t help but think how interesting it is that this is all happening during Lent. How will our houses of worship be impacted come Easter morning? Will this cause a revival, an awakening? Or, will we quickly return to our over scheduled ways? Will we become even more isolated and connected to our devices or will we spill out into the streets and rejoice?
I recent heard that perhaps the decrease in church attendance in God identifying true believers—a separation of wheat from the chaff. I prayed yesterday and will continue to pray today that this time is a renewal of faith for our nation and the world.
And, it can’t go unnoticed that today is 3/16, so I’ll use it as an opportunity to share this verse starting at John 3:16:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Amen. May we use this time to repent, to turn to the Lord and pray for revival.
Do my decisions point me towards life or death? What a convicting thought to make us pay attention to what areas of our lives we need to point towards God in surrender – trusting He provides + He knows what’s best.
Lord, this week i pray you help me to be fully aware, fully attentive of where my decisions and thoughts and feelings are pointing me – to life or to death?
Lord, help me to choose you daily.
I love the image of “turning around” for repentance. I can’t help but think about times when I’m navigating a new place or just not paying attention and make a wrong turn, realize it too late, and have to make a very obvious 180 in front of anyone who might be watching – a (possibly) public admission that I messed up, and that maybe I didn’t really know what I was doing walking that way in the first place. This essay was such a good one!
May my hope rest in God alone during this time of uncertainty…and always.
My top emotion at this moment is to depend on Lord God Almighty rather than depending on men.Thank you mu Lord for making me realize.
During this season of uncertainty with the Caronavirus, I can see that I have put my hope, faith and security in the wrong things. I have acted as if we are in control of things, when we aren’t. It’s crazy to see how a little virus can wreck such havoc on our lives. I took so many rings for granted in this life, full shelves at the grocery store and weekly church gatherings. All of those things are gifts from God, not just blessings that we have earned. I pray that I never take those things for granted again.
Thank you for your words of encouragement concern ing my prodigal grandson. This study really shows God’s grief and mine for this wayward young man. Whatever it takes, humble him, Lord. And help me not to fear what that might be. His sisterwho was also adopted had so many problems too. I often gave up hope, but God…… She is newly married to a wonderful Christian young man… She is our
miracle girl. I believe. Help my unbelief.
I was curious about the time line of when Jeremiah was speaking these things. Much of this was during the reign of the best king Juda ever had , king Josiah. I wonder if he ever became hopeful when he saw what Josiah did to obey God. But it was too late. Only exile could teach them… Sort of like the prodigal son story. My prayer for my grandson Isaac Is that, as he has returned to his idol of drugs, his self imposed exile will bring him to his senses as it did the Prodigal son.
Laura, I know the road you are walking because I’ve walked. My father told me multiple times before he died sometimes we just have to let them go and walk that destrutive path and eventually they will come back. My sister is a great example, my parents brought us up going to church and believing in Christ but when my sister was in her late teens and early twenties she strayed and left that life. She started drinking and became an alcoholic. Now about 5 years ago she started back to church regularly with my father before he died. Now she and I go to church regularly. So just hang in there God will work with her.
Dana you remain in my prayers. Sara Terry I’m with you praying about it. Praying for you Mari V.
Candida Armendariz it’s what I call a “God thing” which is when God knows what will speak to you the best and some how put it in your path, with a song, a friend calling, SRT devotional or some other devotional. It’s so neat when it happens and it’s God’s way of getting His message across and “waking you up to it.”
Jen Rose got my attention and made me really think with her last paragraph, especially when she said “pay attention.” Her questions that followed really made me think. I know that I need to pay closer attention to my life and my little choices and how they are nudging me. Sometimes my choices, I realized after reading this, have me heard the wrong direction either do to my actions or my words or my thoughts or any combination of them or all of them. Jen Rose made me realize I need to get back on a “God-Christ track” not personal or society track. SRT and Jen Rose thank you for getting me back on my “God-Christ track.”
Father help me to know when I have strayed from your ways and gone to societal ways or my own ways. Help me stay on track with Your love and kindness and way of life. Bless all SRT sisters and all the SRT staff and writers. Amen.
Loved this! ….23 years, Wow! I told my husband i can not imagine pleading for 23 years with a people? We don’t even want to plead with God for a request more than a couple of day-weeks; we are such a quick fix society. I love how God reaches down and gives a reality check to my soul!! Pay Attention is right:)
Prayers are appreciated. I have court Monday, March 16.
Praying for you Mari!
I don’t know how it happens, but it always happens. A verse, a passage, is perfect for the situation I’m in right now. A lot of things in my life are changing due to covid 19. I was resistant to all these changes. My church is cancelled for the foreseeable future. Strangers won’t be able to hear the gospel. But God has a better plan. Perhaps all this quarantine will bring communities closer. I pray that I’m a good testimony during this time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember God has the last word.
“Pay attention” caught “My attention”. I don’t want to be anywhere but following Jesus. I want to “pay attention” to my actions because eyes are watching. Jesus forgive me for the times I don’t set a good example and may I not be discouragement or cause anyone want to stumble.
Sherry, I was struck by those words “pay attention” too. I heard a sermon recently on Lent. The pastor talked about how the Lenten season is meant to slow us down, to strip away the excess, and to remove the things we run to for comfort and escape. This season prepares our hearts to get quiet and to hear God. Praying that God would draw us back to him and speak to each us individually and as His body during this time.
God, you take sin seriously. You call my heart to turn to you in every moment, you want me to depend on your steadfast love. When I suffer, please help me to keep my eyes on you. You are trustworthy and steadfast and just. It was your justice that said that sin needed to be paid for. It was your mercy that said that Jesus would be the one to pay for the sins of the world. That He would wash my heart clean and reach down to me and pull me up out if darkness and into Hus light. I trust you. I praise you and thank you, I rejoice in you. No matter what happens, you are worthy of my whole heart and my undivided obedience. You are so good, I love you!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1
“…maybe it’s helpful to remember that repentance begins in the smallest of ways, perhaps with these two simple words: pay attention. Pay attention to your life, to the little choices. Do they nudge you toward life or death? Do they keep you humbly looking more like Jesus, or do they help you climb higher in the systems of the world?“
God spoke to me with these two simple words this morning “pay attention”. ❤️ Today God I’m paying attention….to the choices I make, to the words I speak, to you God. I’m paying attention to you.
It stuck out to me that God refers to “sending for my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon” ( Jeremiah 25:9). Although this king seemed like an enemy to the people of Israel , and most certainly wasn’t intentionally spending his days thinking “ hey what can I do to serve the God of Israel today?” , God was able to use him and make him his servant to accomplish his purposes . This gave me reassurance that God definitely has power over a virus and, can use this corona virus outbreak to bring glory to His name . This makes me hopeful and motivated to represent the kingdom well during these dark times . The children who will go without school lunches if they close the schools in my area that are heavily populated by migrant worker families who can’t just “hop on a computer “ for virtual school are on my heart. Let’s go “household of God”, we can do this!
“Repentance means, quite literally, turning around when you see yourself on the road to destruction.” Right now my daughter is on that road, and I don’t know how to get her to turn around. A friend shared with me recently, “Point her to Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit convict her of her sin.” But it’s so hard. She doesn’t seem to care about her sin. She seems to love it and she has no intention of turning around. She doesn’t want Jesus and has rejected her upbringing. How do I watch someone I love continuously walk a destructive path? I’m pleading with God to intervene. But her heart seems so hard. My heart is broken every day.
Many years ago a well-known pastor preached on praying for “whatever it takes” in our prodigal children’s lives. Bring whatever it takes Lord in Laura’s daughter’s life that will draw her attention to You! The problem is, we can’t know what that whatever will be, & we become afraid, may try to intervene, etc. Instead we must pray & trust God, who knows all, & who loves your daughter even more than you do. I’ve been through this with a daughter who had to hit bottom before she looked up. She came back into beautiful relationship with us, & more importantly with the Lord!
Laura,
My children are there too. I am praying like Nancy said, “Whatever it takes”. And, I will also “pay attention” to my actions and how I live my life so that they can continually see Jesus in me.
Praying with you.
Praying Laura and Tricia for your children to turn from this world’s sins and embrace the God who is faithful.
Hard words again from Jeremiah. Yes, Israel was an obstinate people. God graciously warned them. Obstinacy unabated led to their destruction. They were determined to live as they chose rather according to the God who had chosen them.
God, thank You for revealing my obstinate heart to me today. I confess and repent. I’m sorry. Forgive me. I surrender my stubbornness. I choose You, over all and especially over myself. I choose You, sovereign Lord.
“Pay attention to your life, to the little choices.” Think – can any good come from this choice I’m considering? So important … I doubt many of us jump from obeying & serving the Lord daily straight to a choice of “major” disobedience. More likely, it is the small, seemingly insignificant choices & compromises that get us to that place. Lord, help me to recognize these crossroads and to choose Your path and no other.
Amen!
Yes and amen ❤️
AMEN !
Amen!
Yes!
Father, THANK YOU for Katherine Lopez and the time she is setting aside for a discipleship study with this young lady. May You, Lord, give her guidance. Open their hearts fully to your revelation. Build a relationship of sisterhood in Christ in these women and may the two become four, the four eight, and may You continue to be honored and glorified as the ripples spread. May all the honor, glory and praise be yours Lord God.
I also lift Bridgette, Pam, and Cera to you Lord and ask that your peace which passes all understand would enfold these precious daughters of yours. In Bridgette’s “new normal” provide for her Lord. Give her the wisdom and guidance she needs for each day. Heal and help her Father, under your wings. Where those around her are able, help them to remember her loss is still very fresh. Help them pay attention and be available…but mostly, I pray she will find her rest and refreshing in You. My heart breaks for Pam’s situation Lord. Bring into this grandson’s life whatever is needed to bring him to You. You are the only answer to this addiction spiral he is on. Comfort Pam and any other family members involved. Keep them safe. Guide them in Your plan for their lives and the lives of this young man. She is not alone. When those we love and care for fall into sin, it is heartbreaking. God you are God and we commit them to You. So thankful, holding on to the truth that You are omnipresent and all-powerful. And finally for Cera Lord. Mary’s battle (my mother-in-law) with cancer lasted only 6 months, but while I would not exchange a day of it, it is exhausting. I pray Your love, presence, peace, and provision in huge doses over Cera, her mom, and all other care-givers involved. Use this situation for good God. Refresh and renew Cera’s spirit. May she dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Wendy and Mom to Many…I pray also for the dh financial advisor’s in your lives. This old woman (me) doesn’t know what dh is…maybe “daughter’s husband?” I’m sure glad God does and hears our prayers even when we don’t always have the details (which is often). But the not knowing and trusting God brings a smile and giggle to my heart because I love knowing I do not have all this together but, He does. What a blessing! Thank you!
“So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselvesi to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.”
… Love this so much
During these uncertain times, let us cling to Him and be a light for others❤️
Pay attention sisters.
Notice. Pause. Choose.
I anticipated some things on this “God hunt.”
He is so much more than my “anticipations.”
To my beautifully big hearted, loving, compassionate prayer warrior SRT Sisters,
All of your prayers were balm for my broken heart!! I am humbled by the outpouring of love, support and encouragement the past 24 hours! I have read each beautiful word, each pain filled “I know how you feel”, and each prayer; and I cannot tell you how much my heart is exploding in gratefulness. I wanted to reply to each of you but for some reason when I click on the “reply” it won’t let me. So I hope everyone who commented or prayed for me without commenting, will see this thank you. Today was so hard, I haven’t felt this deep of grief since my father in law passed away 14 years ago. I forgot how it throws you for a loop and makes everything seem upside down. I know I have to push through and let it take its course but I really just want my Dad back. But what a blessing to come on here tonight and see all of your love. I truly, truly am feeling so blessed. So very, very blessed. May God’s Peace be with you all!
Aw…… your words are so sweet. I remember saying the same thing, “I just want my daddy back”. But then I knew that my daddy was completely healed. No more diabetes, no more medications, no more amputated leg. He was completely restored and healed and he met the LOVE of his life: JESUS
❤️❤️
Love that this community can come together to cover each other in prayer. Praying for perfect peace to flood your heart. Praying for our Heavenly Father to hold you when you can’t stand from the grief. My love to you, Dana.
So glad you felt God’s comfort. He will carry you through, Dana!