Similarities with today.
Jeremiah shares the word that came to him from the Lord with the people. These words may seem harsh, but notice in verse 31 that the Lord is correcting a nation that had fallen so far into decline that they were sacrificing their children in the fire. They were calling bad, good, and good, bad. There was a direct conflict with what God had declared to be sinful and treacherous behavior.
The Lord reminds them of how He established the nation and what He commanded them from the beginning: "But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.'" Jeremiah 7:23
Sound familiar?
Our nation was built upon biblical principles, yet it seems we have strayed so far from them. This is simply the truth. This isn't meant to shame us. We can all see the division in our nation and the reality that many are pursuing the desires of their own hearts.
So, what do we do?
We press into Jesus.
We spend time with Him, spend time in His Word, and allow our lives to reflect His glory and power. Jesus has called us to be lights in the midst of darkness. What an opportunity we have in these days!
We recognize the gloominess of the day, but we don't allow the darkness to overcome us. Instead, we shine brightly with the love, grace, and mercy of Christ.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.