Jeremiah 17 -- It Begins

“Their sins were cut with a hard point into the stone that is their hearts … Your wealth and treasures I will give away to other people … You will lose the land I gave you, and it is your own fault.  I will let your enemies take you as their slaves … A curse is placed on those who trust other people, who depend on humans for strength, who have stopped trusting the Lord … More than anything else, a person’s mind is evil and cannot be healed.  No one truly understands it.  But I, the Lord, look into a person’s heart and test the mind … Your ancestors did not listen or pay attention to me.  They were very stubborn and did not listen … If you don’t obey me, I will start a fire at the gates … and it will burn even the strong towers.  And it will not be put out.”

 

That’s God’s word to a nation which had decided to pursue pleasure and self rather than Him.  And He kept His word.  His word has not changed.

 

Even as He delayed His punishment, giving time for the people to turn back to Him, He said, “But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed.  The Lord will show him that He can be trusted.  He will be strong, like a tree planted near water … not afraid … not worrying…”

 

Father, I’m thankful that You are sovereign.  Although You still have the ability to turn our nation around, I pray that You also have the desire to do so.  Throughout history, though, You’ve been fair and just, giving nations what they deserve.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford