Jeremiah 2:8-17

The lesser gods that we have made for ourselves in money and power offer a false sense of security. God, in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, controls all. Man in his quest and in all his bravado can do nothing without Him. We need to open our eyes and make the decision to place our trust in God alone. We are to be His sons and daughters here on earth to accomplish His will for ourselves and those He places in our path.

Some might consider Jeremiah the model of faithfulness, while others might think of him as an example of failure and futility. He served as God's prophet for over 40 years, yet the rulers and the people of Judah did not listen to his warnings. Jeremiah was put in prison, thrown into a well, and taken to Egypt against his will. He was not allowed to marry. He was rejected by his friends, neighbors, family, false priests and prophets, and kings. Jeremiah stood alone in his call for the people to repent and turn to God. He warned them time and time again of their impending punishment. And even though much of what he prophesied came true during his ministry, the people and the leaders continued to ignore him.

Yet through all the hardship and humiliation he was forced to endure, Jeremiah remained obedient and faithful to God. Although at first he questioned God's calling, once he accepted his position he became a model of perseverance and devotion. After enduring decades of abuse, threats, and outright indifference, Jeremiah could easily have turned his back and walked away. But he knew that was exactly the problem God had told him to warn the people about. The people had turned away from God's will, and Jeremiah was not about to do the same. Some may look back at his ministry and consider it a failure because the people did not respond to his call. In reality, his life was a glorious success because Jeremiah remained faithful to his God. He may not have seen immediate results, but his struggle to obey God in a world that had turned wholesale away from its Creator has inspired generations of believers.

Jeremiah 2:8

The priests did not say, 'Where is the Lord?'

And those who handle the law did not know Me;

The rulers also transgressed against Me;

The prophets prophesied by Baal,

And walked after things that do not profit.

9 "Therefore I will yet bring charges against you," says the Lord,

"And against your children's children I will bring charges.

10 For pass beyond the coasts of Cyprus and see,

Send to Kedar and consider diligently,

And see if there has been such a thing.

11 Has a nation changed its gods,

Which are not gods?

But My people have changed their Glory

For what does not profit.

12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this,

And be horribly afraid;

Be very desolate," says the Lord.

13 "For My people have committed two evils:

They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,

And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.

14 "Is Israel a servant?

Is he a homeborn slave?

Why is he plundered?

15 The young lions roared at him, and growled;

They made his land waste;

His cities are burned, without inhabitant.

16 Also the people of Noph and Tahpanhes

Have broken the crown of your head.

17 Have you not brought this on yourself,

In that you have forsaken the Lord your God

When He led you in the way?