Get Back on Track
Jeremiah 2:1?6:30
Big picture: The passionate pursuit of God’s prodigal people continues.
God has called someone out (Jeremiah) to speak truth to Judah. The northern tribes of Israel have already been scattered by the Assyrians 100 years or so before. Judah has seen what has happened to Israel, but continues in its sin. So here comes Jeremiah, and God speaks to him about the situation.
As this section of Jeremiah opens, a charge by God against Judah is made. It is as if Judah is on trial in the court of heaven and charges are being brought by the prosecutor – God.
He contrasts the past faithfulness with the present unfaithfulness of Judah by using a series of metaphors. God declares these sins as both illogical and unnatural.
The basic sin? Forgetting the Lord and walking after idols. Another way of saying it? Rebellion, the flesh, love of money.
Judah will not accept the guilt. In chapter 3, God continues to expose the sin of Judah, but also gives Judah a chance to return. God always gives hope.
God says the people of Judah have given themselves to idols; lost their ability to blush, no shame; presumed on God; and done it all in the face of God’s love. They come to God for help (Psalm 107), but sin still has them in its grip (Psalm 40). Even the sins of their fathers seem to still have influence on them.
God was willing to forgive His prodigal people, but they must repent. The word “return” is the word most often used to picture repentance. It’s evident here.
Some would say repentance is not to say “I’m sorry,” not just “about face” but to rear march. If you are in Charleston, you can’t go to Columbia unless you leave Charleston.
Lastly, the warning comes that judgment will come soon from the North. It may have been delayed some because King Josiah made some effort to return.
Jeremiah believed Babylon would be the tool that God would use to bring judgment if there was no repentance.
Application:
Jeremiah honestly was anguished over the sin of Judah, thus the title the “weeping prophet” (Jeremiah 4:19-21).
Have you ever had a child or loved one lost or “off track? ” How did you feel? That is God’s heart, and it was Jeremiah’s.
What is keeping you from returning to the Lord?
Look up the old song “Nothing Between.” Sometimes judgment of sin is sudden, but most of the time it is a slow disintegration of our character.
How far are you on that downward spiral? It’s not too late to come back.
Barker– Lessons by Ron Barker, evangelism and prayer strategist for the evangelization and missions team of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Barker also taught evangelism at Southwestern Seminary.