There are so many experts (most self appointed) ready to tell us what life is all about. So many experts in best selling self help books, on TV talk shows, etc. A common theme is the need to look inward, to discover "the god" within you; to listen to your inner self; to be true to who you are. It is a narcisstic approach to "religion". You should not expect to find a God who has revealed Himself. Such a God might be the centre of the universe with authority; and we all want to be our own centre of the universe. Our culture runs from any God who would give us commands or make demands!
Although the culture of Israel 2600 years ago was very different, yet people have surprisingly remained the same. I was reminded of this as I read words in Jeremiah today. Poor Jeremiah, God's lone prophet! In futility (for God warned that Israel would not listen to him) he was guided by God to call "sin, sin"; to warn of God's anger and judgement; to disagree with all of the religious experts, the prophets and priests of his day. But the Divine message coming through Jeremiah was not attractive. The Jewish people preferred to listen to prophets who pretended to have words from God. They preferred to listen to themselves, rather than God. Like so many people today, they each found "my message" much more attractive than "God's revealed message."
"But you must not mention ‘a message from the Lord’ again, because each one’s word becomes their own message. So you distort the words of the living God, theLord Almighty, our God." Jeremiah 23:36
Our task today? To keep sharing God's revealed message found in the Bible with anyone who will listen. We know that "my own message" brings no lasting peace, purpose or eternal salvation. Although God's truth is often rejected and may appear to have no affect, we must place our confidence in God and His Word.
They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, ---- let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:27 - 29
Although the culture of Israel 2600 years ago was very different, yet people have surprisingly remained the same. I was reminded of this as I read words in Jeremiah today. Poor Jeremiah, God's lone prophet! In futility (for God warned that Israel would not listen to him) he was guided by God to call "sin, sin"; to warn of God's anger and judgement; to disagree with all of the religious experts, the prophets and priests of his day. But the Divine message coming through Jeremiah was not attractive. The Jewish people preferred to listen to prophets who pretended to have words from God. They preferred to listen to themselves, rather than God. Like so many people today, they each found "my message" much more attractive than "God's revealed message."
"But you must not mention ‘a message from the Lord’ again, because each one’s word becomes their own message. So you distort the words of the living God, theLord Almighty, our God." Jeremiah 23:36
Our task today? To keep sharing God's revealed message found in the Bible with anyone who will listen. We know that "my own message" brings no lasting peace, purpose or eternal salvation. Although God's truth is often rejected and may appear to have no affect, we must place our confidence in God and His Word.
They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, ---- let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:27 - 29
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