October 4

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-20; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22

God takes sin seriously, doesn't he?  (I know we've said this before, but when Scripture brings up a concept over and over again, how can we as bloggers avoid it?)  

Look at God's criticism of Israel, spoken by Jeremiah.  "In spite of all this you say, 'I am innocent; he is not angry with me.'  But I will pass judgment on you because you say, 'I have not sinned'" (Jer. 2:34-35, emphasis mine).  It is the very act of claiming to be innocent of sin that convicts them of their sin.  God is not swayed by pretty words; "this is how you talk," he says, "but you do all the evil you can" (3:5).  He recognizes that Judah "did not return to [him] with all her heart, but only in pretense" (vs. 10).  Indeed, God values the faithlessness of Israel - who did not claim to be faithful at all, and was not - over the unfaithfulness of Judah - who claimed to be faithful, but was not (see vs. 11).  God woos faithless Israel ("I am your husband.  I will choose you" [vs. 14]), but realizes that Judah will not "circumcise [their] hearts" and therefore "[God's] wrath will break out and burn like fire" (4:4).  And the result will be complete and utter ruin (vs. 13), caused by nothing and no one but themselves.  "Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you.  This is your punishment.  How bitter it is!  How it pierces to the heart!" (vs. 18)

And then, on the other hand, we have Paul's gentle words of love and blessing.  He rejoices over the church in Colossae because of their love and faith (Col. 1:4-5); he unceasingly prays for wisdom and knowledge for them (vs. 9).  Here's why: "That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (vs. 10-12).  

This is what Judah and Israel were intended to do, to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.  Paul even spells out exactly what sort of life is worthy of the Lord and will please him in every way.  Fruitful.  Growing.  Being strengthened.  Enduring.  Patient.  Joyful.  Thankful.  

While Judah and Israel failed, Paul has greater hopes for the Colossians.  And for us, too.  How beautiful, and how hopeful.

- Sarah Marsh

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