3D Devotional 8.28.2019

Scripture
  Jeremiah 2:4-13 Common English Bible (CEB)4 Listen to the Lord's word,
    people of Judah,
    all you families of the Israelite household.5 This is what the Lord says:What wrong did your ancestors find in me
    that made them wander so far?
They pursued what was worthless
    and became worthless.
6 They didn't ask,
    "Where's the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
        who led us through the wilderness,
        in a land of deserts and ravines,
        in a land of drought and darkness,
        in a land of no return,
            where no one survives?"
7 I brought you into a land of plenty,
    to enjoy its gifts and goodness,
        but you ruined my land;
        you disgraced my heritage.
8 The priests didn't ask,
    "Where's the Lord?"
Those responsible for the Instruction didn't know me;
    the leaders rebelled against me;
    the prophets spoke in the name of Baal,
        going after what has no value.
9 That is why I will take you to court
    and charge even your descendants,
        declares the Lord.
10 Look to the west as far as the shores of Cyprus
    and to the east as far as the land of Kedar.
Ask anyone there:
    Has anything this odd ever taken place?
11     Has a nation switched gods,
        though they aren't really gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glory
    for what has no value.
12 Be stunned at such a thing, you heavens;
    shudder and quake,
        declares the Lord.
13 My people have committed two crimes:
    They have forsaken me, the spring of living water.
    And they have dug wells, broken wells that can't hold water.

3D We see in this passage a message to the Israelites who have wondered away from God. The people are reminded of all the great things God has done for them in the past. We are also reminded of how amazing and powerful God is. Lastly the message shows us how God's grace continues. The Old Testament is filled with a story of people and generations wondering away and rebelling against God, and grace continually being extended to them. This scripture reminds me of God constantly asking us to come back and continually reaching out to us and caring for us.Today the challenge is to remind yourself of what God has done for you in the past. How has God extended grace to you in your life? Do you have any area of your life that you have been running from God?

Andy Yarnell
Associate Pastor