
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Have you ever asked yourself this question: How have I drifted so far away from God? I know I have and more than once.
In the book of Jeremiah, we see Judah with a terminal disease-sin. They refuse to turn to the Lord and do everything within their so called “Human-power” to heal themselves only finding it to spread and eventually destroy.
Jeremiah spent forty years trying to convince these people of the consequences of their actions. However, they let their pride get in the way. Killing children, abusing others, having many gods, engaging in false worship, being self-centered, and loving self-indulgence were just the beginning of the many items they placed as a priority over holding true to God’s principles. They refused to listen and seemed to categorize Jeremiah’s messages as nonsense.
How did God’s people end up in this place?
As we studied part two of Jeremiah, I began to ponder this question. What caused them to drift so far away? Why did they refuse to turn back? Could the end results have been different for them?
Then I reflected on my own life. (OUCH! I think the Holy Spirit made me do it!)
Pride-yes that word-the source of my drifting much like the people of Judah. Let’s be honest here: pride, arrogance, haughtiness, fear of man, etc. can decrease our level of honor for God and His Word at times. Pride has a way of clouding our judgment. Therefore, we ignore the warnings, disregard the consequences/truth, and often pretend there isn’t a disconnect with us and the LORD.
In Jeremiah chapter 35, we are introduced to a group of nomads, the Rekabites. They were known as “principled people”-a stark contrast to those in Judah during this time. These tent dwellers were faithful and steadfast. They had an exceptional quality of obedience and remained true to their set principles and values. Regardless of the temptation, they kept their promises. Their word was backed with follow through. WOW! God could count of them-what a beautiful display of a high level of respect. The Rekabites were far from haughty nor filled with self-pride.
Going back to my own assessment- God loves me so much to allow me to be broken and struggling many times over. Why?-because of self-reliance, portions of pride, and “what’s in it for me” approach to life. Oh, how I could easily become like Judah, but my heart cries out for a different life. I want to be a principled person, living as a nomad in this world, with an outstanding level of discipline and obedience for my precious Lord and Savior.
What about you? What about the legacy you are leaving behind? Where do you find yourself in life? What stands in your way of being 100% committed and faithful to God?
The Lord is definitely refining me and sharpening my motives to live a life more reflective of the Rekabites. I know the lie of self-sufficient and believing God’s truth and help isn’t needed 24/7 is directly from the enemy-pure evil. I boldly ask Jesus to be my war club and break the bondage held by the enemy. I crave true rest and complete presence of the LORD in my life.
May we each strive to be heroes of faith as we walk through this LIFE by digesting God’s Word on a personal level. I pray Scripture stirs your heart and opens the door to closeness with the Father. What a humble privilege to be encouraged by the mighty principled people found in God’s Holy Word-even the simple nomads.
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Hebrews 11:32-34 (NIV)