Jeremiah 23 -- Bad News For The Nation, But A Promise For The Future

God had Jeremiah deliver the message that Judah's leaders had been ruthless to the people.  "Instead of leading the flock in love, they drove it mercilessly and exploited it ...Because they ... refused to trust God, they destroyed the nation and scattered the flock among the Gentiles."

But God promised a future regathering that would make the Exodus from Egypt seem trivial.  "No matter how dark the day may be, God sends the light of hope through His promises," my commentary said.

I read in my commentary something that was particularly interesting as the U.S. elections draw near:

"Whenever a nation needs healing, it's usually because God's people aren't obeying and serving Him as they should.  We like to blame dishonest politicians and various purveyors of pleasure for a nation's decline in morality, but God blames His own people.  'If My people, which are called by My name, shall 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 will heal their land.'"

"Because they listened to the false prophets, the people believed lies about God, and what we believe about God determines how we live."

Father, help us to examine our lives and show us where we fall short of Your will.  Give us the strength to make changes that You desire and keep our nation from suffering the same fate as Judah.

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Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford