AUGUST 13
In chapter 10 the folly of worshiping idols is outlined, and
the judgment to be visited upon it is given in verses 17-22.
Jeremiah speaks of the desolation of Judah as if it were
already accomplished. False prophets were insisting that Jerusalem
was no longer in danger, and this constituted one of Jeremiah’s most
difficult problems. Jeremiah was a man of sorrows in the midst of a
people inclined to everything vile. He wept day and night at the
thought of the frightfully impending retribution. He moved among
them, begging, pleading, persuading, threatening, entreating, and
imploring that they turn from their wickedness. All was done in
vain. He preached to them that Jehovah was the true God, but these
people were busy manufacturing idols, as if idols could save them.
This gave Jeremiah an occasion to remind them that what they were
doing was further aggravation of their already appalling sin against
God.
In chapter 10 there is a description of the heathen
worshiping a tree which had been cut down and decorated with silver
and gold, and fastened with nails and hammers that it would not
move. This is a good picture, I believe, of how many of us worship
false gods today in the things we possess.
Exodus 20:3 says, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Anything we worship, other than Jesus Christ as our Lord and
Saviour, is a false god. Chapter 11:3 of Jeremiah tells us,
“…cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant.”
Because of Jeremiah’s faithfulness in what God had called him to do,
he prophesied to the people. They plotted his death. When you and I
take a stand for Jesus Christ, we will not always be accepted by the
world. There are times when a Christian has to take a stand in the
midst of a world of adversity, and identify with Jesus Christ as
Lord and Saviour, claiming His motivation for doing the things that
he is doing.