June 21, 2001
"I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right.
No one repents of his wickedness, saying, "What have I done?"
Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle. "
Jeremiah 8:6
This verse stands out to me in the midst of a passage (vs 4-12) where the prophet is communicating God's confusion over why Israel's conduct is so irrational. Israel falls down but she doesn't seem to learn from her mistakes. In vs. 7 he points out that birds instinctively know when to migrate and whether to head north or south... how is it that God's people don't seem to be able to home in toward God, rather they continue to move further away from him?? In this verse it says God listens attentively to what his people are saying and doing... he doesn't make snap judgements. God knows our hearts and he does take the time to weigh and consider words with heart and motive. No matter where we've been at, whether we've blown it or not God doesn't write us off.. he still takes time to see where our heart is at even when in our actions, we aren't quite there yet....