Apostasies - Jeremiah 2:19

Seek God Together

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Today we will read Jeremiah 2:19. It’s a long verse. In fact, Jeremiah has more words in it than any other book in the bible. This verse says,

“Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Think it over and see how evil and bitter it is for you to abandon the Lord your God and to have no fear of Me. This is the declaration of the Lord God of Hosts.”

It’s easy to think of God as judge and executioner. Is that really the case though? Certainly there are warnings of judgement and even punishment. But is God a sadist or a caring parent?

Any good parent knows that you have to use every tool at your disposal to get your kids attention, and yes that can include extreme intervention. Why? Because the folly of the human heart finds seemingly infinite ways of destroying ourselves and others. And so this verse makes total sense. Sin is punishment in itself. Look at what the verse says,

“Your evil will discipline you. Your apostasies will reprimand you.” Apostasy is turning away and abandonment. Like religious divorce. And so God asks us to do something. He asks us to consider. He asks us to think it over. See how, not just evil, but bitter it is to abandon God. It’s unsweet. It hurts. Think about that.

Your will is the truly spiritual thing about you. Your looks, physiology, opportunities, even proclivities… these are all physical. But your will is the one mediator between what you feel, and what you do. Consider that in light of your relationship with God. Is there anything worth abandoning God for?

To stop here could be soul crushing. Each of us could rattle off a long list of ways we’ve turned from God, or are even turned right now. But it isn’t even the end of God’s story. While there is real pain in turning from God, there is alway mercy in the return. You are never truly gone if you return. Whether we’re turned away from God and feeling the heat, broken by our apostasy and turning back, or delighting in our ever-receiving God, turning back to God even if for the millionth time, is exactly what you need, what He wants, and the source of your healing

“God there are times I do want to turn away from you. I’d be lying to say otherwise. But it’s never worth it. I love You.”