Day 118: The problem about sin – Jeremiah 2 vs 20 – 28

20 “Long ago I broke the yoke that oppressed you and tore away the chains of your slavery, but still you said, ‘I will not serve you.’ On every hill and under every green tree, you have prostituted yourselves by bowing down to idols. 21 But I was the one who planted you, choosing a vine of the purest stock—the very best. How did you grow into this corrupt wild vine? 22 No amount of soap or lye can make you clean. I still see the stain of your guilt. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!

23 “You say, ‘That’s not true! I haven’t worshipped the images of Baal!’ But how can you say that? Go and look in any valley in the land! Face the awful sins you have done. You are like a restless female camel desperately searching for a mate. 24 You are like a wild donkey, sniffing the wind at mating time. Who can restrain her lust? Those who desire her don’t need to search, for she goes running to them! 25 When will you stop running? When will you stop panting after other gods? But you say, ‘Save your breath. I’m in love with these foreign gods, and I can’t stop loving them now!’

26 “Israel is like a thief who feels shame only when he gets caught. They, their kings, officials, priests, and prophets - all are alike in this. 27 To an image carved from a piece of wood they say, ‘You are my father.’ To an idol chiselled from a block of stone they say, ‘You are my mother.’ They turn their backs on me, but in times of trouble they cry out to me, ‘Come and save us!’ 28 But why not call on these gods you have made? When trouble comes, let them save you if they can! For you have as many gods as there are towns in Judah! (New Living Translation) For English Standard Version Link.

Jeremiah was sent by God to warn His people of sin and its consequences. The particular sin of Israel he was highlighting was the sin of idolatry. (Vs 20) But what idolatry was doing in their lives is very true of what all sin does in our life. What was the first thing Jeremiah points out that sin does? (vs 22)

It leaves a stain. And even if we can't see it, God can. His eyes are holy and His ways are pure. Sin leaves a dark mark on our life. What's the next thing Jeremiah tells them about sin. (vs 23-24)

It usually brings denial and self deception. Our first instinct is to reject any accusations. In some cases people lie with a straight face if challenged on wrongdoing. But it also deceives us. Jeremiah uses vivid descriptions to show how our hearts can pant after sin. That's when we reach the really dangerous part of sin. What would that be? (vs 25)

Sin can become so enjoyable that it traps us. The pleasure many sins bring can blind us to reason and from seeing the destruction sin is working in our life. How sad when someone says 'It's no use – I love this wrong thing too much and cannot stop myself!' Sadly, there’s still more. What does vs 26 show us about sin?

It makes us hypocritical and brings disgrace when it is discovered. People pretend they are respectable and, while others are fooled, they feel no guilt. But when evil things come to light then humiliating shame is the result. Many years earlier Moses had warned Israel and said: “Know for sure that your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23) And then, in vs 27-28, Jeremiah gives the saddest consequence of all. What is happening there?

When those who had chosen idols faced a crisis and desperately needed real help – they discovered that their idols were useless and God was now far away. That is so true of any of the things people chase after, and which have kept God out of their life. The 'gods' people make in this world will never have the power to help them in life's deepest needs.

Oh be careful of sin no matter how glittery or respectable it has been made to look. It can take over a person's life so that they become like a wild donkey sniffing the wind at mating time! It is only in Jesus Christ that forgiveness and victory over sin can ever be found.