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There's a Line That Is drawn - Jeremiah 14 to 17
There's a Line That Is drawn - Jeremiah 14 to 17
When Moses explained the terms of the Covenant, one of the major themes was the section on punishment for disobedience and rebellion (Deut. 28-30). One of the punishments, in fact, was drought! (Deut. 28:22-24).
In our reading, we have watched generation after generation be unfaithful while God has exercised great patience. We watched as they went through the period of the judges and time and again they forsook God for idols. Under the leadership of David and Solomon, they built up both the kingdom and the temple worship. This immediately was followed by Jeroboam and idolatry in the northern kingdom. We watched them struggle as Jezebel championed Baal worship throughout the land. Although a few good kings tried to lead them back to God, most lead them further and further into apostasy.
Now, nearly 400 years after Solomon, God has had enough. “You who have forsaken Me,” declares the Lord, “You keep going backward. So I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you; I am tired of relenting!" (Jer. 15:6)
The drought they were enduring was to be only the beginning of the end. They would see their whole land destroyed including Jerusalem and its temple. Jeremiah is told to NOT even pray for them (14:11; 7:16). God proclaims that even if Moses and Samuel were among them, they could not avert the coming judgment (15:1). They have crossed the line!
This should add a sobering reality to the phrase: "seek the Lord while He may be found" (Isa. 55:6; Ps. 32:6). There is a line. God, with all of His patience and longsuffering, does have His limits. Each day of rebellion, each instance of disobedience takes us closer to that line.
Are you drawing closer to God today, or heading towards the line of judgment?
Hugh DeLong
