August 14, 2013 (Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “And you are even worse than your ancestors! You stubbornly follow your own evil desires and refuse to listen to me.” Jeremiah 16:12 NLT
Observation: The people of Judah wanted to know what they had done to deserve such harsh treatment from God. They are a perfect example of how sin is passed down from one generation to another and how sin, once conceived, brings forth death. Notice how the generation that had been taught to sin by their parents and grandparents didn’t even realize they were doing anything wrong. They had lived in sin since their birth so they felt sin was normal. Not only did they continue in the sin they were taught but they got worse. They were worse than their ancestors! They stubbornly followed their own evil desires and refused to listen to the God of heaven. Does this story sound familiar?
Application: Have you ever heard someone give another person the advice to “follow your heart”? What a dangerous piece of advice. The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, desperately wicked, who really knows how bad it is? This was the advice and example that was given to the children of Judah by their ancestors. Children of America have suffered the same dreadful fate. We have been taught to follow our heart even though our hearts are filled with our own evil desires. We make the sins of our ancestors look like child’s play! We have far surpassed their sinfulness, and we boast about how great we are! Yet, the Lord knows how to search the heart and examine secret motives. He rewards people according to what their actions deserve. When destruction comes we need not be surprised, it’s just God being true to His word.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the privilege of repentance. Correct the wrong I have been taught by my ancestors. Turn my heart toward You and fill it with love and devotion for Your word and will. Cleanse me and make me whole, open my blinded eyes and strengthen my feeble understanding. In Jesus name, Amen!