Jeremiah 2:20-25
20 “For long ago I broke your yoke and burst your bonds; but you said, ‘I will not serve.’ Yes, on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down like a whore. 21 Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine? 22 Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord God. 23 How can you say, ‘I am not unclean, I have not gone after the Baals’? Look at your way in the valley; know what you have done— a restless young camel running here and there, 24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, in her heat sniffing the wind! Who can restrain her lust? None who seek her need weary themselves; in her month they will find her. 25 Keep your feet from going unshod and your throat from thirst. But you said, ‘It is hopeless, for I have loved foreigners, and after them I will go.’
This passage illustrates several false beliefs that can hinder our walk. One is the sense of hopelessness about ourselves. We may be tempted to say "It is hopeless, for I have loved foreigners, and after them I will go" (verse 25). When we repeat a sin again and again, it is tempting to just give up and grovel in our sin and unworthiness. The shame can be overwhelming. Yet there is hope, not because of our ability but rather because of God's ability. The only way out is by admitting our need, which ties into the other false belief: when we say "I am not unclean" (verse 23). This is denial and a refusal to look at our issues. God sees the truth, that "the stain of your guilt is still before me" (verse 22). Let us acknowledge our guilt and look to our Redeemer for the only way out.
Lord, I confess that I have sinned. Help me to change with Your help.
20 “For long ago I broke your yoke and burst your bonds; but you said, ‘I will not serve.’ Yes, on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down like a whore. 21 Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine? 22 Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord God. 23 How can you say, ‘I am not unclean, I have not gone after the Baals’? Look at your way in the valley; know what you have done— a restless young camel running here and there, 24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, in her heat sniffing the wind! Who can restrain her lust? None who seek her need weary themselves; in her month they will find her. 25 Keep your feet from going unshod and your throat from thirst. But you said, ‘It is hopeless, for I have loved foreigners, and after them I will go.’
This passage illustrates several false beliefs that can hinder our walk. One is the sense of hopelessness about ourselves. We may be tempted to say "It is hopeless, for I have loved foreigners, and after them I will go" (verse 25). When we repeat a sin again and again, it is tempting to just give up and grovel in our sin and unworthiness. The shame can be overwhelming. Yet there is hope, not because of our ability but rather because of God's ability. The only way out is by admitting our need, which ties into the other false belief: when we say "I am not unclean" (verse 23). This is denial and a refusal to look at our issues. God sees the truth, that "the stain of your guilt is still before me" (verse 22). Let us acknowledge our guilt and look to our Redeemer for the only way out.
Lord, I confess that I have sinned. Help me to change with Your help.