Backsliding
Day 359, Tuesday, Aug. 5
Jeremiah Chapters 3 and 4
In these chapters Jeremiah condemns both the northern kingdom, Israel, and the southern kingdom, Judah, for their unfaithfulness to God. As is often the case in the Old Testament, he compares idolatry to prostitution and adultery.
Referring to idols of stone and wood, he says, “Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.
The lesson of all this is that the hard times the people are suffering have been earned by disobedience.
“Your own conduct and actions have brought this on you. This is your punishment. How bitter it is! How it pierces to the heart!”
Yet even now God is calling his people to repentance. “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Tuesday meditation

Job 15:27-35
“Though his face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with flesh, he will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one lives, houses crumbling to rubble. He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return. Before his time he will wither, and his branches will not flourish. He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb fashions deceit.”

Prayer focus
Let our troubles be a reminder of our own unfaithfuleness. Cure us of our backsliding and receive us anew.