This morning while eating breakfast I read Jeremiah 2. I'll be honest, when I flipped open my Bible, I was headed to the gospels where I could find something 'more relevant,' as we so often hear the New Testament tagged...but I felt like God had something to show me in this chapter, so I read it (and in fact it was very relevant). The point of this blog is not about how important the Old Testament is, but let's not write off the Old Testament as pointless. It is still very much so inspired by God and chock-full of life lessons for us (hello Ten Commandments). Just because some of the laws were fulfilled in Christ and are not as applicable to our life now, that doesn't mean there isn't something to learn from them, and that the prophecies and other stories aren't valuable as well...they are.
So, welcome to Jeremiah 2. We're traveling back thousands upon thousands of years to learn that--people were as much sinners then as they are now. Crazy, huh...pride is both an old and new sin (and we all thought we were clever...). So the Hippies didn't invent anything new. Generation X: I'm sorry, but you didn't think of anything new either. And Generation Y...well, you get the point. First off, maybe you should take a second to read Jeremiah 2. It's God speaking through Jeremiah to Jerusalem. Here's my street lingo breakdown of the chapter:
1st: God reflects on the good times--remember when you used to love me and all was good? (2:1-4)
2nd: God's like--what were you thinking?!?! Your grandaddies all up and left me...and for what? What have I ever done but good for you? God points out He saved their little hineys from slavery in Egypt, and yet it just wasn't enough for them to stick with Him. [From a distance, we probably think they're crazy, but what has God done in your life? Have you always been faithful to Him since?] (2:5-9)
3rd: God talks about people taking matters into their own hands. This is what I really want to reflect on today...God is living water--He's what keeps us alive Spiritually, emotionally, physically. In verses 13-19, God speaks to how He is the spring of living water--the supply that we need--and how people tried to build their own cisterns and went elsewhere to get water instead of turning to Him.
God is the ultimate supplier. Of breath, of life, of living water, of protection, and so on. There is no other spring of Living Water outside of the Trinity. I'm sorry Buddha, but you didn't make the cut. Muhammad, you seem like a nice guy, but you're not a spring of living water either. Witchcraft...that's not going to get you any Living Water. Worshipping the animals and the earth? Nope. This is where I say the Hippies and recent generations haven't thought of anything new. Woven into Jeremiah 2 quite frequently is God speaking about manmade idols and gods. There is a movement that has become more prevalent recently that says you can get to Heaven through Buddha, hugging a tree, etc...basically however you want. So is not the case, and may Christianity never be lumped into that assumption. Spirituality was originally intended to worship God, and nowhere in the Bible does it say anything pointing to acceptance into Heaven via other routes. In fact, quite the opposite. John 14:6, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me." God wants you all sold out for Him, not for just anyone or just a system of beliefs, "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)." This tells us that God wants you on fire for Him. Don't just be a church goer to ease your conscience, don't think that by meditating 3 hours a day you're going to get any closer to Him if you're not speaking directly to Him (and not some group of gods). And there are many other verses pointing the same direction.
Back to Jeremiah 2, we see rebellion that seems so popular. Don't just believe what your parents believe. I get that. In fact, I think it's smart to try to figure out what you believe and why. I've done it. But, don't be so hasty to assume that just because your parents believe it, it automatically is false. That's silly and completely untrue. "'I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine? Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me,' declares the Sovereign Lord." (Jeremiah 2:21-22). P.S. Sovereign means supreme authority.
Verses 27-28 are what really opened my eyes:, "They say to wood, 'You are my father,' and to stone, 'You gave me birth.' They have turned their backs to me and not their faces; yet, when they are in trouble, they say, 'Come and save us!' Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble! For you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah." How true is it that people who reject God draw nearer to Him in trouble? And even I am guilty of drawing nearer to God when I am in trouble, but just think of the tragedies we've seen recently. Before September 11 happened, people were content to slack off, do their own thing, pursue their own interests...but when the terrorist attacks hit and things were unsure the churches filled up. Now, I am in no way saying that I don't want people in churches...I absolutely do. And a lukewarm person isn't going to heat up for God as easily if they don't go to church, so yes, come one come all. I'm pointing out that deep within at least our subconcious, we seem to know that God is in control and all powerful--it's just we are hard headed and rebellious and don't want to listen to what His commands are...until we REALLY need something. My thought is this though: if I am the least bit convinced that God is real and the Bible is true, then I should fear what God can do. He is so merciful, but He is also incredible, and He will put us in situations to draw us closer to Him--He knows how to break stubborness. So draw close to Him, reap the benefits, but do not think you will be under the shadow of His protection if you keep running after everything has struck. It's a love relationship...quit cheating.
On that note, enjoy your cereal, and while you're at it, pick up the Word of God. (multitasking is just dandy).
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