Jeremiah 3:6-25
Reflect
Reading this passage in Jeremiah reminds me very much of our life in India. On every mountain was a little shrine, holy stone or statue and the same was true for trees that stood in the centre of a village or city. Edmonton has no mountains, and green trees are mainly in summer. We don’t have little idols or gods all over the place, so is this text not applicable to us in North America? Very much so! Immediately after a few verses, the real issue is revealed: Israel turns from the Lord quite obviously and Judah seems only a bit better. But God looks at our heart. Verse 10 : “....Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but rather in deception,” declares the LORD. Over and over, God lets us know in His Word that He wants our whole-hearted attention. Pretence does not impress God. So even if it looks like some followers of Jesus do a better job than others, the truth is, we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). How comforting to read on that condemnation is not the end. God said to Israel and Judah, as well as to us today, “Return to me and I will heal your faithlessness”. (vs14, 22). How wonderful that God isn’t giving up on us. He forgives and He gives us clear vision and a heart that is completely set on Him. So let us come to Him, like his people with the plea for forgiveness and a heart that is completely set on Him.
Annette Faszer
Pray for Aaron Cranton - Old Strathcona Street Outreach Mission
The Father has called me to journey, in the Spirit of Christ, alongside our homeless and marginalized neighbours providing emotional, physical, spiritual, mental and relational support directly and through partnerships with community organizations. Pray that God would continue to work powerfully and effectively through the Old Strathcona Street Outreach Mission to bring thorough and lasting transformation to our neighbours on the street.
