Israel’s three terrible sins as found in the first nine
verses of chapter 5:
1. Disobedient to God
(VV. 1-2) The Message (MSG)
“Patrol
Jerusalem’s streets. Look around. Take
note. Search the market squares. See if
you can find one man, one woman, A single soul who does what is right and tries
to live a true life. I want to forgive that person.” God’s Decree. “But if all they do is say, ‘As sure as God lives . .
.’ they’re nothing but a bunch of liars.”
2. Dishonored God (VV. 3-6)
But you, God, you have an eye for truth, don’t you? You hit
them hard, but it didn’t faze them. You disciplined them, but they refused
correction. Hardheaded, harder than rock, they wouldn’t change. Then I said to myself,
“Well, these are just poor people. They don’t know any better. They were never taught anything about God. They never
went to prayer meetings. I’ll find some people from the best families. I’ll talk to them. They’ll know what’s going on, the way God works.
They’ll know the score.” But they were no better! Rebels all! Off doing their own thing. The invaders are
ready to pounce and kill, like a
mountain lion, a wilderness wolf, panthers on the prowl. The streets aren’t
safe anymore. And why? Because the people’s sins are piled sky-high; their betrayals are past counting.
3, Distrusting of God (VV. 7-9)
“Why should I even bother with you any longer? Your
children wander off, leaving me, Taking up with gods that aren’t even gods. I satisfied their
deepest needs, and then they went off with the ‘sacred’ whores, left me for orgies in sex shrines! A bunch of
well-groomed, lusty stallions, each one pawing and snorting for his neighbor’s
wife. Do you think I’m going to stand around and do nothing?” God’s Decree. “Don’t you think I’ll take
serious measures against a people like this?
These sins of disobeying, dishonoring, and distrusting God are as true today as in Jeremiah's time. What are you willing to do about it?
Trust in God or trust in something else?
Be wise today and always - trust in God.
