Jeremiah 5-6
Although we are only about a tenth of the way through this Book of Jeremiah, it should already be clear that the nation of Judah is headed for disaster, but that the people — rich, poor, weak, powerful, blue collar, white collar, cleric, lay — aren’t listening. They are not heeding Jeremiah’s warnings. If that isn’t clear yet, then it should become abundantly clear as we proceed. Jeremiah sounds the alarm of approaching disaster and gives plenty of indications as to why judgment is falling (e.g., Jer. 5:19), but there are plenty of false prophets who say otherwise, proclaiming a more welcome message of “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace. (Jer. 6:14)
It’s rather easy to observe all this from afar, looking back on ancient Israel and Judah. But what about observing what is more up close and personal? How are we doing in our own self-evaluation? Does anything that Jeremiah says make you squirm a bit? If not, is that because you truly are walking closely with the Lord, or is it because you are casually inattentive? Or are you, like Judah and Israel, refusing to look and listen?
Jeremiah ministers over a period of about 40 years. Today, Ash Wednesday, we enter into the season of Lent, 40 days of reflection and repentance. Let’s not squander the opportunity to listen well.
See also: July 3 (2023) / Jeremiah 4-6.