For the past few weeks, I felt like God was wanting me to explore the book of Jeremiah, in particular, chapters 35 through 45. Jeremiah was one of the Old Testament prophets who by all accounts, did not live a life of comfort. (He also wrote the book of Lamentations, which is a great read on a stormy, lonely, Saturday evening . . . ) He was constantly instructed by God to inform the people of Israel what God thought of their decisions and news flash, it was rarely positive. And here is a even greater shock, the people never listened!
The chapters that I have been reading chronicle the disobedience that at times seem comical. When God tells them to stay where they are, they leave. When He instructs them to leave, they stay. When He reminds them that He alone is their protector and provider, they nod and continue to look for any other resource to protect and provide for themselves and their families.
I mean, you talk about a nation of clod heads! (And I'm being sarcastic because unfortunately my behavior eerily mirrors the nation of Israel way too many times.)
Here are a few examples of the people of Israel's views of God, as described in these ten chapters:
1) They claimed to believe in God. Or I should say, they believed in their perception of God. Yes, in times of crisis, they would call out for God's instruction and protection. They believed in His power, they just didn't want to acknowledge Him as their King. He was always faithful to answer them, and they in turn were always consistent in their lack of obedience. They created their own version of what they wanted "their god" to be, awarded him the title of "god", yet when faced with defeat, they failed to acknowledge His power and wisdom in their situations. There was no fear of the True God. They wanted to create a god in their image who would rubber stamp their plans and desires and never acknowledged their sins. Sound familiar?
2) Because of their oral histories passed from generation from generation, there was no lack of knowledge of God's power, yet that perception vanished in light of their current troubles. They had no qualms claiming to be the people of God, (mostly in times of trouble) but even that worship was subject to their demands and goals.
3) Another crazy example of this double-minded view of God can be found in King Zedekiah when he begged Jeremiah to inquire to God for his counsel. (Chapter 38) Jeremiah explained, "Why should I ask God anything for the king when anything I tell the king you will not heed, and you will have me put to death." King Z's reply was textbook, "As the Lord lives, who gave us our lives, I will not put you to death or hand you over to men who seek your life." Notice what the king does not address, Jeremiah's question which was, "Why should I tell you anything because you will not listen . . . " The king gives God credit for creating and sustaining their lives, (lip service at best . . . ) but he refuses to promise to obey the God who created, protected, and sustained the king and his people.
And yet,
So often I'm guilty of the same thing I'm writing with such disdain about the people in Jeremiah's days. Token obedience when it costs me nothing, giving God the worst part of my attention, finances, and resources.
When Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15) He was acknowledging our fallacy of claiming to love God but then disregarding His instructions, commandments, and desires. That's not love, that is a limited affection for the personhood of God, minus the divinity of God. That is not the statement of a Christ-follower, that is the proclamation of a person who claims to know and love God, yet their lives hold no evidence of that devotion.
I say I love God.
I praise God for hollow words through disobedient lips.
I pray to God, asking for His help, only when it is my last resort.
I can read His Word, and yet fail to grasp the application to my own life.
I can acknowledge that He is my Creator.
And yet, live my life like I have no King . . .
That is not a picture of a true Christ follower. That is a description of someone, who in their head, acknowledges the existence of God but refuses to obey and devote their lives to Him. Satan and his angels meet that very same description listed above and yet he regards God as his mortal enemy!
Belief without devotion is an empty worldview, devoid of a heart submitted to their Creator. What rights does the creation hold over the Creator? Do you see how dangerous it is to dip your toe into the pool of truth and belief without commitment? (And I'm preaching to myself here as well)
That is why so many people are deceived into thinking they are saved when they aren't. Jesus gave us a glimpse of this when He said the following:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23)
Here are people that call Jesus Lord and think they are saved. They think they are able to enter the kingdom of heaven, when in reality Jesus doesn't know them. They have been doing mighty works in His name but without obeying His precepts. They are motivated by self, and have been deceived about their very salvation. As Hebrews 10:31 reminds us, " It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
No one that truly trusts and believes in the Lord Jesus for salvation will find themselves rejected by the Lord. God desires that people are devoted to Him, making it impossible to live a life proclaiming that you love God without also obeying His commandments!
He sent His Son so that people could be saved. He has shown incredible restraint from judging this wicked world, because He wants all mankind to be saved. Salvation is both easy enough for a child to grasp and yet complicated by our desire to live in both worlds. Jesus says we cannot serve two masters, we are either in His Kingdom or we are in the world. - Matthew 6:24.
The word of the Lord is true and holds the secret of eternal life for all those who are truly seeking. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6. Now is the time of salvation, while the Spirit of God still resides in this world. There will come a day when God's Spirit will no longer reside on earth. "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only He (The Spirit) who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way." 2 Thessalonians 2:7
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
