Chapter 720 of 1163

JEREMIAH 8

Four times in this chapter, Jeremiah asks and answers the question, “Why?”

Why are they backsliding (1–12)? The answer is plain: they believe lies and will not heed the truth of God’s Word. They will not admit their sins or repent of their sins. They are happy with the superficial ministry of the false prophets (v. 11) and the right it gives them to be religious and still live in sin.

Why are they sitting still (13–17)? Because they do not really believe the enemy is coming! They have false confidence based on lying words, so they are at peace.

Why did they provoke God (18–19)? Because they believed they could serve both the Lord and their idols. They did not abandon the Lord; they just made Him one of their many gods. But the Lord will not accept equality with any other god, for He is God alone. Just as an unfaithful husband or wife provokes a spouse, so the unfaithful child of God grieves the heart of the Lord.

Why is there no recovery (20–22)? Because the people did not heed God’s warning and His long-suffering reached its limit. Had they plowed their hearts (4:3), there could have been a harvest of repentance; but it was too late. The sickness was too far gone, and no medicine was available.

When God calls you to return, do not wait too long. Seek the Lord while He may be found (Isa. 55:6–7).

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