Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

We continue speaking of Israel returning to Jehovah in Jeremiah chapter four. The Lord asks them to destroy the idols they have been worshiping and be truthful, just, and righteous. What does breaking unplowed land have to do with repentance? Judah is to circumcise their hearts. This is a cutting away of flesh that is of no use to them. It is an act of obedience to God. Plowing the ground symbolizes the change that needs to be made in their lives. The weeds and thorns that are buried by the plow are the sins that they promise to move out of their lives.

If they believe that the disaster that is foretold will come, they will move to the cities for protection. Yahweh’s anger is against them. Do they believe this? They have told God lies in the past. Are they going to keep their word now? Punishment is for something that we have done. He does not apologize for giving us what we deserve. They will cry as a pregnant woman does because of the discomfort of childbirth.

The challenge in Jeremiah 5 is to find one person who is honest. The city will be forgiven for one person who speaks the truth. In this election year, this is something we all desire, people to be honest with us. Swearing by God is no indication of their lack of falsehood. Why should we be forgiven when we and our children deny that God exists. We make science, knowledge, lust, or money our object of worship.

If there is a God, why do people violate His laws without suffering the consequences? That time is coming according to Jeremiah. The Judeans asked that question and believed that He would never punish them. Slowness should not be misinterpreted as apathy. His love continues when we are disciplined. This is for our growth as His children. Do not be one of those that rejects Jehovah to your eternal doom.

The warning in Jeremiah 6 is to flee from Jerusalem before the Babylonian army attacks. Siege ramps will be built. The fighting will be fierce. Before the walls are breeched starvation will set in. Judah will not listen. They are offended by God’s call to recognize Him as their sovereign. Deceitfulness will bring the doom. “They do not know how to blush.” We refer to that as having no conscience.

Sacrifices and burnt offerings mean nothing to the Lord. Mourning for their disbelief is all they can do now. Yahweh’s attempt to refine the Israelites as they would gold, silver, or bronze has failed. They are being rejected.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger