Day 36

The People’s Stubborn Response



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).

Post Comments (52)

52 thoughts on "The People’s Stubborn Response"

  1. Melissa Mcronney says:

    I needed this reading today.. and so many things has been distracting from finishing today’s reading. I’m glad that the Lord reminded me to keep reading.. Thank You Jesus.. help me to trust and obey in Jesus name Amen

  2. Ashley White says:

    Happy Monday, amen

  3. Jennifer Anapol says:

    The people put their trust in idols because when they worshipped these idols their life prospered and they didn’t see disaster. We will do whatever we can in our lives to steer clear of disaster. The problem is we can’t control when disaster comes knocking on our doors. We try and greasy for some type of control, but only God holds the control. I know I am guilty of trying to control my own life and thinking that by putting my faith in idols, I can have some type of control. May I trust in God and, and that he knows best.

    1. Margaret Terry says:

      I was just thinking of this last night. With so much falling to pieces right now, we all struggle to maintain the good things that were happening before this happened, a good economy mostly, but that is our vain attempt at making this world heaven, it isn’t heaven and never will be. We all want peace, plenty and health but this sin soaked world will never be that. I think just recognizing that helps the perspective and allows us to rest in Gods perfect peace no matter what disaster comes. This is something I have to meditate on A LOT, to not let what’s happening pull me down!!

  4. Bridgette Alvarez says:

    …We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12 This situation that we find ourselves in has certainly shifted our attention to God and His might. Those that believe look to Him even more so and for the unbeliever, many will come to Christ. I’m more determined to share God’s word with others now. Let His word fall on good ground.

  5. Dorothy says:

    Amen Blessed Beth, Lauren Malone, Christen Price, Crystal Whitlock, Maura, Jenna Amen
    Wow preach it Chuchmouse, Bessie H., Angie, Courtney and we all say Amen
    Thanks for the tip Jonelle Olson, Monie Mag
    Mari V. I know the feeling I remember when my son turned 19.

  6. Anita Lee says:

    Today’s devotion is so timely to what has been occurring in our world. I pray that we all will humble ourselves and return to the Lord for healing in our land.

    “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
    ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:13-14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

  7. Dorothy says:

    “Then we your people, the flock of your pasture,
    will give thanks to you forever;
    from generation to generation
    we will recount your praise.” Psalm 79:13
    Despite all our wows, all the sickness, all the uneasiness and all the worry and concern going on right now we need to remember and follow what Psalm 79:13 says; give thanks and recount God’s praise. Give thanks for all those who care enough to try and find ways to cure and prevent throughout the world and that they are willing to work together despite their previous differences. Recount God’s praise for several things, that we have a loving God who cares, we have our SRT sisters to pray with us, and most of all that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for us so we can have eternal life. Yes these are dreary days (I’m not going to say dark because we have some good things) but we need to remember the good and the positive more so than the bad and the negative. Let’s remember also what Erin Davis said in today’s devotional, ” Jesus alone is the answer, and nothing can separate us from His love…” May all of you my sisters and your families be in God’s hands is what I pray today.

  8. Courtney says:

    Bessie and Churchmouse:

    You are both so right. Christ is our only guarantee in this life, our only rock. He is the only one we can count on for our every need. This has become all too clear to me over the last eight years, after the loss of 3 jobs, a home (after 12 years) (, the betrayal of a sibling, the crushing disappointment of a parent and a church that I had to leave (after 12 years) because it seemed to have a greater allegiance to politics than the gospel. But sisters I thank God for all that I have gone through, as it is because of this experience that I have come to know Christ as my faithful, ever-present father, compassionate, just, and loving. He, unlike all other things and people in life, will never fail you, my dear sisters. He’s good. No He’s GREAT! We serve an awesome God!
    Be Blessed today!

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