Jeremiah 11:1–23

October 03, 2011

Obey me! Jeremiah 11:4 - "Obey me and do everything I command you."

Then:

• You will be my people.
• I will be your God.
• I will keep my promises.

The Israelites already had proof that God keeps His promises. They were living in the Promised Land. But even though they knew God kept His word, they still did not keep their end of the agreement and the agreement was broken. It was not broken by God, it was broken by the people because they refused to obey. Over, over, and over, God warned them to obey. And over, over, and over, the people refused to listen and obey. They were stubborn and did what they wanted to do instead of what God told them to do. Because they refused to change their hearts, the curses of the agreement (See Leviticus 26:1 - 27:34; and Leviticus 26:1 - 27:34 (Continued) ) came upon them.

The LORD says, "I know." I know what they are doing. I know their plans. They've gone back to the same sins of their ancestors. Their ancestors worshiped other gods. They have broken the agreement. So this is what the LORD says, "I will soon bring a disaster on the people of Judah which they will not be able to escape. They will cry to me for help, but I will not listen to them." (See: Proverbs 1:28-31)

Then God tells Jeremiah: Listen Jeremiah, this is not your problem. You have done what I asked. I'm in charge here. I have been patient long enough. "The LORD, All-Powerful, who planted you "a leafy olive tree, with beautiful fruit and shape" (Verse 16), has announced that disaster will come to you "but with the roar of a strong storm he will set that tree on fire and its branches will be burned up" (Verse 16)." This is because (they) have done evil and made God angry by their worship of wealth. This punishment was for His people. His people who thought that "acting" the part was enough. Going to the temple—but making evil plans; bringing sacrifices—hoping to prevent punishment. They weren't obeying. They weren't changing their hearts and lives. They weren't doing what God had commanded of them and God had enough of their disobedience. He was ready to bring punishment upon them.

The people were angry at Jeremiah. He was speaking the truth but the people didn't want to hear the truth. So the LORD showed Jeremiah what the people were plotting to do. Because God showed him the truth behind what they were planning, Jeremiah understood they were against him. Before God made it clear, "I was like a gentle lamb waiting to be butchered. I did not know they had made plans against me..." Blindsided. He had no idea. If God had not revealed their hidden intents Jeremiah would have never known until it was too late. But, God knew AND knows. He is a fair judge. He "knows how to test peoples' hearts and minds."

God protected Jeremiah from those who intended to harm him. And he held them accountable.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 12:1 – 13:27