Jeremiah 30 is a chapter that really makes it clear that God means business. He is sharing a picture of how things work. This cycle of life seems to continue throughout scripture and also history. People have it good, they forget God, they sin, they get punished, they figure it out and come back, God restores and loves, and things get good again. It is a circle that seems to repeat itself over and over. It is pretty darn clear in this chapter. Things are not going to be good. “Deep trouble….darkness…slavery….pain”. Why? Oh it is so clear: “because of the enormity of your guilt, the endless list of your sins”. This is just so obvious that it should shake every one of us in our boots. So many times I sit in a bible study or small group and hear people talk about how stupid people in scripture were. They had it good and then they wander off and live gets tough. Guess what? If we go look in the mirror that describes us exactly too. People are people are people. We all have the same disease and it is ME.
Thankfully the other side of this equation is a lot more consistent than me. God is always there ready to restore us to Himself. That doesn’t mean we get off without consequences. Sin always requires payment. We are not set free from that. It does mean we are not left floundering in that sin, unless we make that choice. Forgiveness is not automatic. We have to humble self and seek it. But God is ready to reach down and provide that when we ask. Still doesn’t take away the punishment for sin. God’s Word through Jeremiah is encouraging. After the pain, the discipline, the punishment for disobedience, He tells us “You’ll be my very own people, I’ll be your very own God”. It really doesn’t get any better than that. My question is – why do we have to continually test the rules and deal with the pain rather than just abide in Him? We don’t – but we choose to. Lord help me to give up self and stay in right relationship with you. I want to be your people. I want you to be my God!
Posted by asorensen 
