Jeremiah 8
-Judah’s treachery against the
LORD God Almighty is displayed in paganistic rituals, which the prophet labels
as choosing death over life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Jeremiah 8:1-3). Judah has
chosen death by continual apostasy, holding fast to deceit and refusing to
return to their true King in a loving relationship (Jeremiah 8:4-7). They lie
to themselves and tell themselves they are wise and abiding in the Law of God,
but they will be shamed, dismayed, and caught, because in truth they rejected
the Word of the LORD (Jeremiah 8:8-9). Therefore, the LORD will give their
wives to others and their fields to new owners because these so called
“children of God” were greedy for gain practicing dishonesty from the prophet even
to the priest (Jeremiah 8:10). They heal superficially the brokenness of the
daughter of God’s people (the younger generation) saying, “Peace, peace, but
there is no peace (Jeremiah 8:11).” They knew no shame in their debauchery and
corruption, and as a result they will be brought down by the Word of the LORD
(Jeremiah 8:12).
-God is going to snatch them away
like no grapes on a vine, barren and desolate. They will have no figs on the
tree and their leaf will wither (Matthew 21:18-20, Mark 11:12-14, 19-22), and
what God gave them will pass away. They are doomed for destruction because of
their sin and they must now drink the poisoned water of His wrath. Instead of
healing, there will be terror and no good news. The army of the north is coming
with incredible horses quaking the earth and devouring power. Serpents will
rage against them for which there is no charm, and they will bite the people
(Jeremiah 8:13-17).
-Because of this, lamentation is
given by Jeremiah in deep grief and pain, which is beyond healing. His heart is
faint within him as the Spirit of God is taken away from the land. “Harvest is
past, summer is ended and we are not saved. For the brokenness of the daughter
of my people I am broken; I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm
in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the
daughter of my people been restored (Jeremiah 8:18-22)?”
-*Application* Again we see from
Scripture God’s desire to have all of us in complete faithfulness and
dependency. He wants to give generous grace, but our sinfulness will
undoubtedly separate us from His blessings and prosperity in the land of His
favor. Don’t ever separate yourself from His goodness by seeking your own false
way. Take heed to the historical prophecies and follow the LORD in relationship
guided by His grace, mercy, and compassion. Choose life!
Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 8:20
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