"An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end? (Jeremiah 5:30, 31).
Messages from Jeremiah the weeping prophet were challenging as well as touching (9:1; 13:17). He preached in Judah in the last 40 years before she went to captivity. He began his ministry in the 13th year of King Josiah. Zephaniah and Habakkuk were his contemporaries in the early days.
Knowing about the coming captivity, Jeremiah spoke to improve the condition of Judah, but he was persecuted, beaten, and even imprisoned for telling the truth of the coming Babylonian captivity (11:18-23; 12:6; 18:18).
Background Nebuchadnezzar freed him and allowed him to choose Jerusalem or Babylon; he chose to stay in Jerusalem. However, when the Jews fled to Egypt, they forcibly took him also along. He preached there too, on Jerusalem’s restoration, and died there.
From 3:6—6:30, we have the second sermon of Jeremiah. He describes the wicked state of Judah and Jerusalem and pronounces the coming judgment from the Lord. In 5:30: 31 we see that Jeremiah concludes his message with a statement and a very poignant question:
v. 30:- “An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land” v.31c:- “But what will you do in the end?”
The answer is obvious. No, you can do nothing in the end. Judgment is inevitable. God’s people will reap what they have sown (6:19).
God of love and justice Many find it difficult to understand that God will punish His own people for their evil ways. They think, since God is merciful, we can live in any way we want. Even in those days there were false prophets who used to say, ‘No, God will not send us to captivity’ etc., (5:12; 6: 18).
The Word of God reveals that He does not hesitate to severely chasten His people if they rebel and keep on rejecting His word. How He calls upon the people of Benjamin to flee Jerusalem – the beautiful city of God was not at all a safe place (6: 1).
Please remember, eternal security is not a license to live in any way. God demands a holy, righteous and obedient life. God’s chastening hand will fall on us if we rebel (Heb 12; Rev 2, etc.).
Yes, any repentant sinner will be forgiven. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (1Jn 1:7, 9). But unrepentant, hardhearted disobedient rebels will be dealt with. In the past, the Lord has dealt with individual believers as well as local churches. So, be careful, fear God, and be obedient.
What was the condition of Judah then that they had to be disciplined so much? It is good to know so that we may know God’s expectations and demands. Then we may correct our life accordingly and lead a life that is pleasing to Him.
Two kinds of events:
‘Astonishing’: – amazing, unusual, surprising, beyond our imagination. ‘Horrible’:- terrible, very bad, awful, evil; very shameful and filthy.
Jeremiah lists 7 such things in this chapter. Let us go through the list briefly and see if it applies to us today. Even if it may not be true about us today, at least we may be aware of such issues and be careful.
1. False spirituality, Jer 5:2. “Though they say, 'As the LORD lives,' surely they swear falsely." (Jer 5:2). They take the name of the Lord, but not in the right sense, not with the heart. They use His name for their own gain, falsely. It was their normal condition which other prophets also condemned. Cf.
Isa 29:13:- “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.” – it is the LORD Jehovah’s words. The Lord Jesus quoted this verse in Mark 7: 6. Isa 48:1:- “who swear by the name of the LORD and confess the God of Israel, but not in truth or right.” Ezek 33:31:-“They come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain.” Ezk 33:32:- “And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it.”
See how clearly and explicitly prophets spoke of the false spirituality of His people. Spiritual services have become just a routine, a mechanism, a show, and an entertainment program. No heart, no sincerity, no obedience to God’s Word. It was the state of Judah then. What about us today?
– Paul spoke about his time; “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work”, (Tit 1:16). Notice, the so-called believers’ works were denounced by the Lord.
Remember, the Lord expects sincerity in the inward parts, (Psa 51: Phi 1:10; 2Tim 1:5). As the Lord Jesus still carefully watches the state of His people, what would be His comment about us today?
2. Insensitivity, Jer 5: 3 “You have struck them down, but they felt no anguish; you have consumed them, but they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock.” Stricken, but not grieved – it’s a serious problem: insensitivity. No pain, no feeling. Their finger is burning, but they’re not aware of it!
Whose condition is such - one who sleeps, is numb or dead? Fail to feel, unable to respond. God’s people became like that – No response to instruction, chastening. They refused to rectify, correct, return, etc., (7:13). They hardened their faces like a rock!
Pro. 28: 14:- “Whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Pro. 29:1:- “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.”
Such a response to God’s Word and work is for calamity. He wants us to respond to His Word, and not simply evaluate the preacher or preaching. Cf. Isa 66: 2b: ‘God will look favorably to those who are humble and contrite in spirit and tremble at His word.’
3. Ignorance, Jer 5:4 “These are only the poor; they have no sense; for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” Jeremiah talks about ordinary people. They know of earthly things like food etc. – but do not know God’s requirements. As they were poor, Jeremiah went to the rich and great men as leaders, thinking they might know. Cf. v.5. – But they are also ignorant!
Remember, riches and position do not guarantee knowledge of the truth of the Word of God. The Lord will take up this issue repeatedly in the book of Jeremiah, ‘My people do not know’ (8:7) – migrating birds know the time and seasons, the time creator set for them!
Some years ago, Israeli air officials said in Mumbai, migrating birds in Israel damaged many Air Force planes. They studied these birds and changed their flight timings. Result of ignorance? So much: wrong judgment, decisions, failure in fulfilling their obligations and also inability to enjoy their privileges (Is 5:13; Hos 4:6). Self-righteousness, arrogance, unyielding attitude etc., are the outcomes of ignorance. ‘Seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness” (Rom 10:3). Interesting to note, some think they know everything, and about some, others think they know everything, but none knows everything.
What about us today? Are we uninformed or informed? Sad, many believers today are ignorant of the doctrine and practices their forefathers dearly held, even those who were well-known for their scripture knowledge.
In my childhood, when we went to our assembly hall for worship, we would come across Orthodox Church members returning from their service. I used to wonder why they didn’t carry their Bibles, but we used to carry our Bibles everywhere. Today we too follow the same practice! No wonder not only are we ignorant of the truth, but say, ‘forefathers made many mistakes, so let us make changes in name, style etc.’
4. Despising the word of God, Jer 5: 12, 13 “They have spoken falsely of the LORD and have said, ‘He will do nothing; no disaster will come upon us, nor shall we see sword or famine. The prophets will become wind; the word is not in them. Thus, shall it be done to them!’” (Jer 5:12, 13 ESV) We need to carefully look at these verses. False teachers and ordinary people comment upon the prophetic messages of Jeremiah and others. They deny the Lord and the message of God about the impending judgment upon Judah. Cf.
• Jer 6:10b – the Word of God is a reproach to them, no delight in His word. • Jer 36: 23 – 26:- Jehoiakim burned the scroll of Jeremiah’s message written by Baruch.
Remember, a believer’s response to God’s servants and their message is very important. God takes it seriously. Rejecting them and their message is just like rejecting Him. Cf. 1Sam 8:7.
History shows such rejection of the word always happened. Truth is costly, and bitter too. Anyone who communicates the true Word of God has been despised, rejected, even persecuted.
What about today? When you share the true word of God, you get no more opportunity. Speak what people want to hear, entertain them; you get plenty of platforms to do so. Notice carefully, some of those who regularly use certain pulpits are not those who are known for rightly dividing the word of truth. Some others twist the New Testament teachings, trying to re-write history.
This is another astonishing and horrible thing. Respect the word of God. Expect God to speak to us.
5. Absence of the fear of God, Jer 5:22 “Do you not fear Me?' says the LORD. 'Will you not tremble at My presence?” This is the reason why they behaved in the above manner. Cf. Pro. 9:10 – fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; where there is no fear of God, there is ignorance and all kinds of foolishness practiced.
“I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it”, (Jer 5:22b) The Lord refers to the fear and obedience of the sea. Nature fears God, respects His law, but man has no fear (Jer 5: 23). The sea does not cross the boundary, but man violates every law of God. Had they got such fear, they would have paid attention to His words, obeyed and never violated.
It’s really strange that, among the public, believers who claim to be true saints are those who least fear God! It seems they think ‘why should we fear God? He is so loving and merciful; our salvation is secured; we are free, independent; we are brethren, no special men who got any special authority! Then whom shall we fear and why?!’
Dr. Luke depicts the true state a local church in Act 9:31:
“The church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
There is peace, fear of God, comfort and growth too.
6. Deceitfulness, Jer 5: 27 “As a cage is full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit. Therefore, they have become great and grown rich”. Here the reference is to those people who trap birds in a cage using a decoy bird. Similarly, the prophet says that in the houses of Judah plenty of deception is there. Their wealth may be accumulated by wrong methods. Cf.
• Jer 6: 13a:- “From the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is given to covetousness.” • Isa 3:14b:- “It is you who have devoured the vineyard, the spoil of the poor is in your houses.” • Isa 5:8:- “Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land.”
Among the Jewish people there were also men who did anything to get rich, especially to acquire the property of others through fraudulent methods. Thus, they become rich, wealthy, and great men.
What about us? Of course, most of us work hard, but in certain places there are people who forget such principles when it comes to material things. Such an attitude is not acceptable to God. Whatever possessions we have, that should never be something we got through illegitimate ways.
7. False leadership. V. 31. “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction.” This is the most terrible. On the one hand, true prophets have been ridiculed, despised and even persecuted; at the same time, the majority of the prophets and priests lead the people of God in the wrong way. They speak lies; the priests fail to do what is intended for them. Thus, leadership fails. Jeremiah writes, “From the prophet even unto the priest, every one deals falsely”, (6:13b). False messages, false healing, false rulings etc.! Leadership is not in God’s way. “My people love to have it so” – people like it, nobody bothers.
What about today? Like the absence of the fear of God, in this area, also certain believers who claim to follow the New Testament pattern of church life struggle so much. Many view the idea of leadership with suspicion. But do not forget, a leadership crisis is not a simple issue. The Lord takes it seriously. Whatever happens in the assembly, the leadership is responsible. Notice the messages to the local churches in Asia, Christ was addressed to the leadership (Rev 1–3). Seven astonishing and horrible things:
i. False spirituality. V. 2. ii. Insensitivity. V.3 iii. Ignorance. V. 4 iv. Despising the Word of God. V.12, 13 v. Absence of the fear of God. V22. vi. Deceitfulness. V. 27. vii. False leadership. V. 31.
Notice what the Lord is asking:
• Jer 5: 7a:- “How shall I pardon you for this?” • Jer 5: 9a:- “Shall I not punish them for these things?” cf. v. 29a.
Today, as the Lord is examining our hearts and lives, what would be His response? Let us examine and yield to the Lord. Mercy in judgment, Jer 5: 10, 18, 1
Even as the Lord pronounces words of judgment because of their sin, He reveals rays of hope to His people. Notice verses 10, 18 and 1
• "Go up on her walls and destroy, But do not make a complete end”. • "Nevertheless in those days," says the LORD, "I will not make a complete end of you”. • "Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; See now and know; And seek in her open places If you can find a man, If there is anyone who executes judgment, Who seeks the truth, And I will pardon her."
Not a complete end of His people; even He is ready to cancel the verdict against them. If one man is found who lives in God’s way (v. 1). To spare Sodom from Judgment, 10 were needed (Gen 18: 26 – 32). Now, God is looking for just one man, (Cf. Isa 63: 5; Ezek 22:30; 2Ch 16:9).
Need - One man Never underestimate the value of one man who follows the word - the truth – whom God can use mightily. God does not need a big crowd, just few, even one who loves the word and lives accordingly. Will you be that one?
More than a century ago, a young man overheard,
“The world has yet to see what God can do with, for, through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.”
It seems one Mr. Henry Varley was talking to somebody as they were walking. This statement touched the heart of that young man; he sought a place to pray. He prayed, ‘Lord make me that man’. That young man is D.L. Moody, about whom someone said, ‘he placed one foot in America, the other in Europe, and both the continents were shaken by his preaching’.
God found one man! Cf. Isa 59:16 “He saw there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.” When God was willing to save people from sins, He found no one. Then the Son of God Himself took the form of man – the perfect Man – and through Him accomplished the saving work, not only for Israel, but for all of us. He was righteous, executed righteousness. He took our place. And because of Him, we can be forgiven and reconciled.
Conclusion Rebellion and rejection is costly. The Lord asks us to yield and cry. He is merciful, even when judgment is pronounced. Be that one man God is looking for. Christ is God’s Man for us – the perfect God – the Man who took our place and penalty. Confess sins and be under His authority. Today the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin. Repent, confess, and consecrate. G&P
Riches and position do not guarantee knowledge of the truth of the word of God.
“The world has yet to see what God can do with, for, through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.”
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Perspective
THE SECRET OF TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Nelson Thomas Mumbai
What actually is the most important factor that determines the quality of our spiritual life according to the New Testament? In other words, how can one lead a true Christian life as the Word of God expects?
Of course, many spiritual exercises are involved in the beginning and progress of Christian life like confession of our sins, repentance towards God, faith in the saving work of Christ, wholehearted consecration to Christ, etc. All these are the result of the gracious intervention of God Himself (John 6: 44, 65). These are definitely important aspects of personal salvation. Nevertheless, we ought to remember that it is the indwelling divine nature in consequence of our regeneration that transforms our life (Eph 2:1, 5; John 1:13; 1 John 3:9).
This indwelling has been referred to in the New Testament repeatedly and in various ways. For example:
Ø Joh 14:20: “I am in My Father and you in Me, and I in you.”
Ø Rom 8:9: “The Spirit of God dwells in you.”
Ø Rom 8:10: “Christ is in you, …the Spirit is life”
Ø 2Cori 13:5: “Jesus Christ is in you?”
Ø Gal 2:20: “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me”
Ø Col 1:27c: “….Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Ø 2Peter 1:4: “partakers of the divine nature”.
Ø 1John 3:9: “His seed remains in him … Because he has been born of God.”
Most believers are conscious of the wonderful things God did in the past like forgiveness of their sins and salvation from eternal condemnation, and even they rejoice in the blessed future ahead but seldom consider the present work of Christ especially within and through a believer.
But actually it is the indwelling of Christ through the Holy Spirit that makes all the difference in a believer’s life. The effectiveness of our daily practical Christian life depends upon the awareness and enjoyment of this reality. Unity among the saints and their testimony in the world also affected by this mystical union, (John 17:23).
Glorious Mystery
Apostle Paul says it is a rich and glorious mystery hidden under the old covenant but revealed today under the new covenant (Colo. 1:26, 27).
We, who were not only sinners by birth but Gentiles who had no relationship with the promises made to the children of Abraham, are today indwelt by the triune God from the moment of our conversion. It is this mystical union with Christ that energizes and equips us to lead a successful Christian life. Paul says it is “Treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2Cor 4:7).
It’s not by our effort that we can live a godly and righteous life, but Christ Himself lives in and through us. Not only He teaches and strengthens us, but changes us from the inside. What a blessed privilege indeed!
Ongoing Experience
However, this indwelling of divine nature and internal transformation is not just a once-for-all event but an ongoing practical experience. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2Cor 3:18 ESV).
In the parable of the vine and the branches in John 15, the Lord Jesus illustrated this truth. As a branch in the vine, a believer must stay close to the Lord Jesus drawing His life and resources so that he will continue to live and be fruitful. When the life of Christ is flowing through a believer, he can reproduce the Christ-like qualities mentioned in Gal 5:22, as the fruit of the Holy Spirit (John 15:1–11).
This wonderful mutual intimacy between Christ and the believer must continue and progress for sustained growth and fruitfulness.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers is significant in this aspect;
“Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love… to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph 3: 17, 19).
Remember, they were already believers hence the Lord Jesus indwells them through the Holy Spirit as we have seen earlier, yet Paul’s prayer for them is that they may experience this intimacy with Christ on a higher level so that they will be filled with all the divine goodness as intended for them.
Similarly, he wrote to Galatians, “I am suffering a mother's birth pangs for you again until Christ is formed in you” (Gala 4:19 Williams). He is not referring to their salvation but to a Christ-like matured spiritual life.
Continuous Learning
How can we abide in the Lord and progress in our intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ? One of the basic methods is found in the final words of Christ’s intercessory prayer for His people. “And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:26).
We know His prayer for the disciples applies to believers today as well (John 17:9, 20). Notice carefully, the Lord makes it very clear that not only He revealed the Father during His public ministry, but even in future also He will continue to teach His disciples. That is, through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:14, 15).
What is the ultimate purpose of this ongoing teaching programme? “The love with which You love Me may be in them, and I in them”. In other words, the indwelling of divine nature and even Christ Himself in a believer depends upon their understanding of God the Father as revealed by the Lord Jesus. That is exactly what He said on another occasion, “…..I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me”; “…The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:57, 63).
No wonder He calls upon every follower of Christ to take His yoke upon them and learn from Him (Matt 11:29). The more we experience an intimate communion with the Lord, not only do we learn from Him, but also we are being transformed into His image. Similarly, the more we read and meditate upon His Word, the more we enjoy His intimacy and grow in the knowledge of Christ. Apart from that our Lord also promises to all who love and obey Him a special fellowship of the triune God (John 14:23).
We should never forget that just as understanding of the Word of God is essential for the initiation of new life in Christ, we need to continue feeding on the Word of God to sustain and succeed in spiritual life (John 17:3, 26; 1Peter 1:23; 2:1)
Fruitfulness
So beloved, this is the secret of true Christian life. Lord Jesus Christ living in and through us through His Spirit as we continue to abide in Him. That is possible only by regular meditation of the Word of God along with all other spiritual exercises like prayer, worship, fellowship and other spiritual services.
As we cultivate and maintain a deep love for Christ and His Word, our thoughts and attitudes are being transformed. Thus we begin to experience and reflect His peace, love, and joy, (John 14:27; 15:10, 11).
Such should be the life pattern of every child of God. Any failure in exhibiting the Christ-like qualities amply speaks of the lack of intimacy with Christ. No wonder John the apostle repeatedly warns against anyone who claims to be of God yet fails in their social and moral obligations (1 John 1:6; 2:4; 4:20; 5:18).
Conclusion
The true Christian life is not just a religious life. To be a religious person one only needs to follow their ideology and observe their traditions. But to be a true follower of Jesus Christ, one needs to know the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as the only Saviour and Lord to dwell within them to control and transform from within. It’s not just a teaching but a true practical experience affecting our moral, social and spiritual life by the working of the indwelling Christ.
This is the power and wonder behind the life of a true follower of Christ, which the world will never fully comprehend (1 Cor 2:9, 14, 15). Praise be to God, ‘We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us’ and indwells in us. ‘Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If God is for us, who can be against us’ (Rom 8:31–39). G&P
The more we experience an intimate communion with the Lord, not only do we learn from Him, but also we are being transformed into His image.
Prepared by Nelson Thomas Mumbai as part of his writing ministry. You can reproduce this article in any medium, provided it is unedited, and retain the original author / copyright information and reference to this website.
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