Jeremiah 4:10-14 NIV
Then I said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! How completely you have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, ‘You will have peace,’ when the sword is at our throats!” [11] At that time this people and Jerusalem will be told, “A scorching wind from the barren heights in the desert blows toward my people, but not to winnow or cleanse; [12] a wind too strong for that comes from me. Now I pronounce my judgments against them.” [13] Look! He advances like the clouds, his chariots come like a whirlwind, his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! We are ruined! [14] Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?
Kate and I went to see the play Boudicca at The Globe on Saturday. It is the story of the Iceni Queen who united the British tribes to bring revenge on the Romans for the abuse of her daughters and the theft of her plans. The Romans didn’t see her judgment coming upon them and three cities were destroyed by her warband before they finally overcame her (including London and St. Alban’s). The play was dramatic and breathtaking. Something similar is happening in today’s passage. God’s People have refused to listen to him and live his ways, and so he has warned them that he is about to bring devastating judgement upon them. Fortunately because of Christ we will never know this fate, but this doesn’t mean that we can live however we care. No! Instead we should live a life of thanksgiving for what he has done for us.
Father, thank you that through Christ I will never know this judgement – you see me as innocent in him. Help me by your Spirit to live a life worthy of that verdict!
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