The People’s Stubborn Response
Open Your Bible
Jeremiah 44:1-30, Jeremiah 45:1-5, Psalm 79:1-13, Isaiah 5:5-7
BY Erin Davis
It is part of my parenting philosophy to never ask this question: “Why?”
When my toddler draws all over the wall with a Sharpie…
When my pre-teen opts to stuff all of his dirty laundry under his bed instead of in the hamper nearby…
When my kindergartener bursts into sudden tears because he can’t find the green crayon…
I’ve found that asking, “Why?” is more often than not met with bewildered stares, rather than deep, philosophical answers. And yet, in Jeremiah 44, when the Isrealites countered the news of God’s imminent judgment by digging in their heels, God, our loving Father, looked at His children and lovingly asked, “Why?”
“Why do you commit this great evil against yourselves?…
Why do you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands” (vv.7–8, ESV).
Our all-knowing, all-powerful God knew the answer, of course. But like all parents who struggle to fathom why their child would make a choice that leads to destruction, God voices His exasperation over His children’s persistent rebellion. The Isrealites in Jeremiah’s time were no different from us. Since the garden of Eden, all of humanity has been grossly warped by sin. Our very cells are broken; we run in glad rebellion away from the things of God. Like the apostle Paul, we are left to wonder, Why can’t I live the life Christ has called me to live? (Romans 7:15–20).
When our questions lead to discouraging answers, and we face the fact that the destruction we read about in Jeremiah is a picture of the punishment we deserve, Scripture invites us to ask a better question. Not why, but who. Who can save us from our sin and spare us from the punishment we deserve?
Jesus! Our righteous Savior, who took the punishment we earned, so that we might be spared the righteous judgment of the Father. When the weight of our sin feels crushing and the reality of our rebellion overwhelms us, we don’t need to bother with asking, “Why?” Instead, we can rest in the hope found in asking, “Who?”
“Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies” (Romans 8:33). Jesus alone is the answer, and nothing can separate us from His love (v.34,38).
52 thoughts on "The People’s Stubborn Response"
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“ now I will tell you
what I will do to my vineyard.
I will remove its hedge,
and it shall be devoured;
I will break down its wall,
and it shall be trampled down.”This passage , although at the surface difficult , provides me with hope . I heard Beth Moore say that grapes thrive in rocky soil and don’t bear fruit unless the plant thinks it’s dying and needs to hurry up and reproduce. Even trials are for us and God works all things together for good to those who believe !
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Good word, Rebecca. ❤️Ann Voskamp talks about this concept of giving thanks in all circumstances in her book 1000 Gifts. Also reminds me of these verses:
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16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 -
I’m just over halfway through for the first time (though I must admit I’ve been dipping in and out for a while), and yes it’s been so timely and applicable. So many incredible nuggets of truth and beauty, and so helpful for refocusing my gaze in this time when it’s tempting to keep looking inward and outwards, instead of upwards.
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They say to wash your hands while singing ‘happy birthday’ twice. I find that silly, but I get the point of washing our hands longer than seems necessary. During this time I decided to find another song that I could sing that lasts 20 seconds.
I’ve settled on ‘My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ love and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
This period that we are in has shaken everyone’s foundation. I’m praying that many will realize that their lives are built on sinking sand and that there is only one true foundation.
Yesterday my brother decided during this time at home to paint his basement. In prepping for the job. He discovered that his foundation has been greatly destroyed by termites. They have slowly and quietly been eating his home. Understandably he is angry, scared and shaken. As he talked I was reminded of how this world is not our home and what we have stored up here will rot and decay. I wisely kept these thoughts to myself, deeming that they wouldn’t be helpful! But, I am more aware than ever that in this world we will have tribulation. We must trust in Christ who is the only sure foundation.
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You could also recite the Lord’s Prayer while washing!!
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Thank you
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So true! Such a great visual!
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Thank you Bessie, I decided I wanted my own song also to sing while I wash my hands. I knew right away it would be the first verse of “In Christ Alone”. I won’t be singing it (takes way longer then 20 seconds) but will repeat the word “In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace. When fears are stilled, when striving cease. My Comfortor, my All in All. Here in the love of Christ I stand.” I’m a nurse so I will be repeating this often but to keep my eyes on Jesus❤️ May the peace of God that transcends all understanding fill you all.
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Thank you. Times 2! ❤️
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Amen Bessie H! what a beautiful song to wash our hands! I’m now singing, My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
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Love the song suggestion. I’m going to use it as well.
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All good ideas and reminders! Thank you
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That’s a great perspective Rebecca! Thanks for sharing.
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Amen Churchmouse!
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Judah had traded the One True God for a foreign queen of heaven. Judah placed its trust in a man-made idol rather than the God Who had a trustworthy record of delivering His people. How far Judah had fallen! Stubborn Judah was not willing to release their grasp on the false. They refused to take hold of the only One who could save them.
In this season of quarantine and isolation, idols are being revealed. Has my security been dependent on being successful at my job – but now that job is in peril? Has my security been dependent on my bank account – but now the stock market is shaking? Has my security been dependent on my exercise and body image – but now my health is threatened by an invisible microbe? Has my security been dependent on my family bond – but now we are separated for an unknown length of time? Has my security been dependent upon my participation in my church – but now we are a community only connected via Facebook and YouTube? Has my security been dependent on the routine of my life – but now I’m consumed with task force briefings and statistics? Has my security been in anything or anyone other than the One True God? Am I tightening my grasp on any of them rather than clinging to my Savior? Am I stubbornly refusing to reorder my priorities, my allegiances?
Just as God essentially said “Enough!” to Judah, so may I say “Enough!” to my own rebellion. God is calling me out and I am humbled before Him. This season of quarantine and isolation is drawing me back to Him. He is God and He will not long tolerate anything else placed beside or above Him. He is revealing and shattering my idols. He is setting me free from the chains I had outwittingly allowed to take me captive. Enough! God, You are Lord alone. I ask Your forgiveness and I thank You for your revelation. I thank You for loving me through Your discipline. You are a good good Father. You alone are my security.
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The other day, I had a bit of a breakdown. I really thought I’d been doing good and staying calm, but all of the chaos and unknowns finally got to me. You see, I’m a planner and I like control and safety, and that’s all pretty much been stripped away. Well, I never really had any control over these things anyway, so I guess I should say that’s just been made blatantly obvious, which caused me a lot of fear and anxiety. Then, the Lord in His loving kindness convicted me of how I had been relying on myself, how I’d idolized health, control, comfort, and even being responsible and washing my hands, eating healthy, social distancing (which are all good things) etc. as ways for me to have peace in this time instead of trusting Him, going to Him with my burdens, etc. I am so thankful for a Savior who convicts and forgives me for my shortcomings and then reminds me that He is in control, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that He cares for me and will be with me through it all.
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I’ve felt the same way Lauren. Thought I was doing good but then had a moment. Trying to move forward in this new normal is a day by day act of trust in our mighty God and His plans!! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you always for your eye opening perspective, Churchmouse! Blessings and love ❤️
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❤️I’m going to read this to my kids!
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Thank you Church as I can say I was riding in that same boat! But God!
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Roman 8:38 is such a great reminder during these days I am claiming as my verse today “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I pray this for all of us, let God hold you in His loving arms and rest.-
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Yes! Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder in these times of anxiety. Praying for all you ladies that you stay safe and healthy!
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I have been listening to the podcast from She Reads Truth. They read the prayer towards the end that confesses that we have sinned by thought and deed, in what we have done and what we have failed to do, and haven’t loved God with all our hearts, souls, mind, and strength and haven’t loved our neighbor as ourselves. (I’m paraphrasing.) I have been thinking of this prayer. It’s so true. They also give an assurance of forgiveness which is a scripture! Thank You, Jesus for all You have done, so we can be forgiven. May He help me to love Him and live a life pleasing to Him. I certainly can’t end this vicious cycle of anger, selfishness, tormenting thoughts, or pride by myself. I know that I am a work in progress, but I’m sometimes irritated and disgusted that I let the enemy win. I’m not going to be perfect, but I also should be aware of his schemes and not let him win. I have let the devil ruin times, steal from me , and plague my thought life. It gets old. One pastor said that we don’t go out physically undressed, so why would we got out spiritually undressed! Put on the full armor of God! “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/eph.6.10-18.nivJ
Jesus came to set us free! I want that. To whom the Son sets free is free indeed. May we walk in freedom today!
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