Jeremiah 7:16-27
If family or friends you share Gospel truth or biblical principles with don’t listen / heed what you say, take heart – are in very good company. God told both Isaiah and Jeremiah the Jewish people would not listen to them. Even Jesus, how could all who heard him not pay attention to him, yet overwhelming majority of Jews did not. Yet Isaiah and Jeremiah and Jesus persevered in declaring truth even though no one wanted to hear it… and so can we.
What is more surprising, shocking, is although at quick glance appeared people were doing good family-togetherness things, God told Jeremiah not to pray for them. Obviously they needed it or so we would think yet God said “DON’T DO IT!” Jeremiah was good prophet, sensitive pastor, one who would be quick to pray on behalf of those he cared about. Must have been hard / painful for Jeremiah to hear what God had to say.
Yes, Jeremiah God’s prophet to the nation, particularly Judah; at same time, were Jeremiah’s family. Went well beyond patriotism, love of country – Jewish people were one people, distinct from all other peoples for generations. Shared heritage beginning with the fathers – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob – made for bond not easily ignored. For these reasons, God’s teaching of Jeremiah has application from national to personal level, from 7th century before Jesus until now.
A. do not intercede v.16
how not to pray
to be no doubt in Jeremiah’s mind what God forbidding him to do – pray, lift up cry or prayer, make intercession for the people
given what God has threatened (not empty threats, btw), what can expect to happen in near future, caring person wants to pray
naturally want to ask God to do good things: help, protect, relieve, defend, heal, raise up, all what we want for those we love
why not to pray that way
first reason, God said “don’t”, followed closely with “I will not listen” – at least clear to do so inconsistent with God’s will/purpose
want to ask God if he’s being mean, stubborn, even vindictive – are Jews so far gone no longer any hope for their recovery?
all of promises God made haven’t been fulfilled yet – if rest, incl. Redeemer, are to be kept requires continued existence
how to pray instead
suffering/hardship/calamity God sends always has purpose – if people can “dodge the bullet” God’s purpose short-circuited
rather than helping avoid consequences or asking God to relieve/relent, should pray outcome would serve good purpose… incl. bring glory to him
B. do look carefully v.17-18
family togetherness
God challenges Jeremiah to look at culture, get below surface, grasp what really going on that has impact on next generation
appears right, mom / dad / children doing things together – will assume are cooperating, willingly pursuing common goal
doing good things
each doing what is most fitting for age / skill / ability – basically what you hope for in a well-ordered family, Christian or not
children not playing but working, engaged in useful / productive activity – developing physical emotional social skills
all what would appreciate seeing more of in children now, sure to be beneficial to future family / church / state
but for an evil purpose
but… a sinister side removes much of good in all of this – is what is most important for Jeremiah / us to recognize
not only teaching/developing good life skills in children, are actively teaching them to worship idols, intentionally do what displeases / provokes true God
many parents not consciously acting badly, are just doing what comes naturally… but doesn’t largely change end result
C. they hurt themselves v.19-20
angry at God
typical mindset of rebel: whatever authority wants/says, do just the opposite, clearly show independence to do as you please
natural man naturally a rebel, enemy of God, angry b/c God doesn’t do/give/allow what they want so… fight back
even w/o thinking try to provoke God, aggravate him into acting and maybe can manipulate outcome… or have more to blame God for, be angry about
rebounds on them
actions prompted by evil desires often ricochet, cause even greater harm than intended… on perpetrator, not victim
when God is object (intended victim) never turns out as hoped – ends up bringing more hardship on themselves, to their shame
followed by God’s anger
since Jews responding to God’s efforts to do them good, repeated resistance only turns up heat of consequences God will bring
not vengeful but righteous anger poured out on people and land – not intended to destroy but rather to purify, bring repentance
b/c God is merciful and gracious, when anger has achieved his purpose it immediately ends – no more or less than what is necessary, true for individuals as well as nations
D. there was help but… v.21-27
they make their own rules
from beginning God has expected more than outward ceremony – much more important to God was their way of life 24/7
instead decided on own initiative could pick and choose which rules to follow, which they thought could be safely ignored
acted on same basis as first parents, thought they knew better than God what they needed, what would work for them
they ignore God’s rules
couldn’t see how obeying God would be to their advantage – often argument against Christianity, all things you can’t do
result always regress not progress – progress of Gospel brings civilizing influence, progress of sinfulness return to barbarism
serious crimes becoming more evil, barbaric whether practiced by individuals or nations – should not be any surprise
they become more hardened
not only behavior that descends into increasing evil, become more determined / belligerent in opposition to what is good
God directing his criticism against Jews in particular but is characteristic of all peoples who are enemies of God
like Jews, won’t even listen to God’s truth, will not respond to calls for change/repentance – will instead get angry and change subject or walk away
Think about gods parents are teaching children to worship – self, stuff, and the like. Pray God would bring them to their senses and be glorified in it. When you pray for those experiencing hard times, be sure to pray as he brings them through hard times his purpose will be accomplished. And pray for wisdom to know how you can best help to bring that about.
And rest in this: regardless of circumstances, child of God who sincerely seeks to please him can be sure of God’s tender care. He will give joy to accompany sorrow, strength for hard situations, wisdom and understanding to do what pleases him. #7 song of 1972, “Lean on me when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” Yes, need others to lean on but… make sure to lean first on everlasting arms.
Reformanda 