Read: Jeremiah 4:19-28
For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end. For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it. (vv. 27-28 KJV)
Admittedly, the book of Jeremiah is not light reading. The prophet’s job from day one was unpopular; in the first chapter we learn that God’s commissioning came as he touched Jeremiah’s mouth and put his own words into it. God told him not to be afraid but to speak out those words for heaven’s own purposes. It was a big assignment, and Jeremiah several times threatened to give up. God was determined, however, to have a spokesperson who wouldn’t back down. He promised to protect Jeremiah through all the slander, judgment, and vitriol that would flow his way. After all, the people leveled the same reaction at God, who dared to mess with the status quo.
God won’t turn or repent just because he sees his stubborn people ignoring every signpost along the way, or when he observes costly mercy and pardon taken for granted, and watches blessings of wealth and peace misused. I’d like to say, “Is it any wonder God is angry?” But the church today has many of the same problems, and I’m grateful for a God who doesn’t “make a full end” of us—one who sometimes repents when he sees repentant people turning toward him again. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, take time to confess and repent. Dwell there with the God you love.
About the Author
With a bachelors in journalism from Texas Tech University and a masters from Western Theological Seminary, Amy Clemens enjoys all things writing, particularly about the life of faith. She is blessed with a family that includes husband Fred, five children, and five grandchildren.
Amy has just published her first book, "Walking When You'd Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall," which weaves her journey from childhood abuse toward healing and spiritual growth with a practical theology for the big story of God. You can find out more about the book and author at walkingwhenyoudratherfly.com.
