June 23, 2001
"Oh, that I had in the desert a lodging place for travelers,
so that I might leave my people and go away from them;
for they are all adulterers, a crowd of unfaithful people.
Jeremiah 9:2
Jeremiah speaks here after seeing and feeling the full weight of Israel's condition. A nation, destined to be God's very own people, designed to be his virgin bride has allowed themselves to sink to a level of depravity almost unimaginable. The prophet is horrified and in he is very honest that his wish is that it would possible for him to get out, go away. I always appreciate the honesty in the scriptures.. Jeremiah was a man who had 'had enough' but recognized what God had called him to and he wrestled through it. The heart of the prophet displays the heart of God... though it would have been easier to 'get out' and leave them to their sinful lives, he doesn't. Jeremiah preaches right up until the moment of their captivity... this is the heart of God for us. He hurts, weeps, is horrified when Satan enslaves us and though it would be easier to give up, turn his back and walk away -- he never does!! He fights for us, works in our lives, stands beside us, strengthens and encourages us and he will never walk away from us - not while there is still breath in our bodies!!