Chuck Larsen

The nations surrounding Israel all worshipped their own gods. Egypt had many gods all of which were humiliated by the one true God during the Exodus. But did Egypt as a whole repent and change gods? No, they continued on their course of idolatry. The same was true for the peoples of the land where God led Israel. God demonstrated His mighty power but the nations as a whole remained peoples of idolatry. How astounding is that? One might think that with the grand demonstrations of God’s presence and power all peoples would be like Rahab the harlot in Jericho and abandon their idols and turn to the one true God. But that didn’t happen. But there is something even more remarkable. Israel turned from the one true God to join the nations in their idolatry. That’s what Jeremiah 2:10-11 tells us. It says, “For cross to the coasts of Cyprus and see, or send to Kedar and examine with care; see if there has been such a thing. Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.”

It’s a difficult question. Has a nation ever changed gods? I want to think yes, but the form of the question demands a negative answer. When asking if a nation had ever changed gods, Ryken answers, “Of course not! Travel the world from east to west, no nation has ever changed its gods; Shoes, maybe, or hairstyles, but not gods. Even the pagans are loyal to their gods. They cart them around wherever they go. Did the Canaanites ever abandon Baal or Asherah? Never! Did the Babylonians ever forsake Bel or Merodach? Ridiculous!”^[1] And Davidson explains it this way, “Go west to the islands of the Mediterranean, for example Cyprus; east to the desert communities, for example Kedar; search the whole wide world and see if any other nation has exchanged its gods. How ironic that Israel, to whom had been given the privilege of knowing the majesty and splendor of the one true God, should outpagan the pagans, replacing this God with gods who are no gods! We are sometimes told that the ways of God are strange; the ways of people can be even more strange.”^[2]

Willis says, “What makes this all the more tragic is Israel is the only nation whose God is real; yet they are the only nation to ‘trade in’ their God for another. Their God possesses Glory, yet they have put their faith in things that cannot profit, things that are worthless. So what Israel has done is not typical, even for nations who would have more reason to do it.”^[3] Paul expresses the same truth to the Church in his letter to the Romans. He was utterly amazed at those who traded God for idols (Romans 1:22f). They exchanged natural desires for unnatural ones. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie. Jesus talked about what good it would do for someone to gain the entire world but forfeit their own soul in return. It is a bad bargain. We often go after things in life and compromise everything that truly matters for things that will not last. I like what Moore says, “Realizing your dream at the cost of your soul is always a bad bargain.”^[4] It was for Israel and it is for us as well.

^[1] Philip Graham Ryken, Jeremiah and Lamentations: From Sorrow to Hope, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2001), 41.

^[2] Robert Davidson, Jeremiah, vol. 1, The Daily Study Bible Series (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1983), 28.

^[3] Timothy M. Willis, Jeremiah/Lamentations, College Press NIV Commentary (Joplin, MO: College Press Pub. Co., 2002), 44–45.

^[4] Steve Moore, The Dream Cycle: Identify and Achieve God’s Purpose for Your Life (Indianapolis, IN: WPH, 2004), 110.

Israel had forgotten the God who brought them through so many hard times and delivered them into a life flowing with milk and honey. It was the loss of the corporate memory that so impacted Israel as a nation. It wasn’t the common persons fault. God did not blame them. Instead, it was the fault of all those in leadership positions. Jeremiah 2:8 points that out clearly when he says, “The priests did not say, ‘Where is the LORD?’ Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit.” The prophets, priests, leaders and caregivers of a nation are to be of such wisdom and maturity as to preserve the order which established civilization as it came to be. In Israel it was God’s personal deliverance from oppression and slavery into a land of promise. It was His laws that preserved the standard of living and maintained the health of the nation. But they forgot!

There are signs of that in our own nation in the 21^st century. We’ve forgotten our moral, ethical and judicial roots. I know it’s unpopular and not politically correct to argue that America has always been a Christian nation, but regardless of where you stand on this issue, you cannot deny the fact that the Judeo-Christian ethic is what blessed America with freedom and prosperity. French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, “I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests—and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning—and it was not there.  I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”^[1]

Ingratitude denotes spiritual immaturity.  Infants do not always appreciate what parents do for them.  They have short memories.  Their concern is not what you did for me yesterday, but what are you doing for me today. The past is meaningless and so is the future.  They live for the present. Those who are mature are deeply appreciative of those who labored in the past.  They recognize those who labor during the present and provide for those who will be laboring in the future.^[2]

^[1] Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).

^[2] Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).

History is important. We’ve all heard the saying, “those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Israel had forgotten their history as a nation. The records of 1^st and 2^nd Kings, the Chronicles and other parts of the writings of the Prophets make it clear that when Israel turns from God, God leaves them to their own devices. They suffer the consequences of rejecting God. Yet over and over in Israel’s history they came to their senses and returned to God to find Him ready and waiting to deliver them from their trials. Jesus told the story of the Prodigal son to point out this truth to Israel. Jeremiah 2:6 reminded the Israelites of all the miraculous events of their deliverance from Slavery in Egypt and God’s providential guidance and provision through the wasteland of the Sinai Peninsula. Now, Jeremiah 2:7 looks at the final result of God’s providence. It says, “And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in, you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination.” It didn’t happen all at once. It took time. It took time for prosperity to do its work.

I can’t help but believe how much better off we all would be if we’d never forget our wasteland experiences. But Israel Not only forgot the miraculous deliverance from the wilderness; they took for granted the many blessings that God gave them at the end of their journey.  It is often said that for every thousand people who can cling to their faith in times of trial and hardship there is only one who can stand firm in times of prosperity. With nice homes and full stomachs and money in the bank it seems easy to forget the times in the wilderness. But it’s the time in the wilderness that should stimulate our gratitude.

I’ve always liked a good survival story since my early elementary years when I read Robinson Crusoe for the first time. I just recently watched “Cast Away” again. A man who was marooned on an uninhabited Island wilderness had to fend for himself against the elements and to take meals wherever he could find them. Identifying with him arouses a sense of gratitude in me as I sit comfortably in my easy chair with my wife beside me.  I’m thankful for a house that protects me from the weather, even though the hail beat it up good last summer. I’m thankful for a stove at which I have “fire” to cook whatever I want. I’m so thankful for the refrigerator that is over stocked with good things and only about 10 steps away. When I put myself, vicariously, in the position of the cast away, I can appreciate the good things I have now and refresh my gratitude. Ben Franklin wrote, “…ingratitude is one of the most odious of vices; let me not be unmindful gratefully to acknowledge the favors I receive from Heaven… For all Thy innumerable benefits; for life and reason, and the use of speech, for health and joy and every pleasant hour, my Good God, I thank Thee.^[1]

^[1] William J. Federer, Great Quotations: A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Quotations Influencing Early and Modern World History Referenced according to Their Sources in Literature, Memoirs, Letters, Governmental Documents, Speeches, Charters, Court Decisions and Constitutions (St. Louis, MO: AmeriSearch, 2001).

It’s so easy to forget what God has done for us. We are all children of Israel and need reminders of what God has done for us. Jeremiah gave Israel a fairly strong reminder in Jeremiah 2:6. He says, “They did not say, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that none passes through, where no man dwells?’” During our trips to Israel we have looked out over the vast waste land where God provided for His people for 40 years! We did not venture far into that desolate land. But for 40 years God fed them there. He kept their clothes from wearing out. He sent them water and supernaturally provided for their every need. He was the perfect husband providing for His bride.

It is human nature to take much for granted in our lives. Jesus understood that and established the Lord’s Supper and instructed us to do that to help us remember all that He did for us. Israel was delivered from slavery and guided patiently through some difficult circumstances into the Promised Land. God was with them through all the hardships and met their every need. Guest explains this: “He brought her out of bondage. By bringing her out of Egypt, God signified that here was a people destined for so much more. They walked on dry ground through the Red Sea between high walls of roaring water standing back in obedience to the Hand of the Husband. Yet now they walked after idols (v. 5).”^[1] It is so important for us to establish “thanksgivings” in our lives wherein we remember the many blessings God has bestowed on us. It’s important for us belong to a band of believers who share the memory and celebrate it together in communion.

Ryken observes, “The marriage between God and his people is dying of neglect. God’s people no longer seek after God. They no longer say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ (Jeremiah 2:6a). They no longer recount and recite the mighty acts of salvation. They forget the love that saved them. They suffer from self-induced spiritual amnesia. This is a reminder for Christians to thank God daily for salvation in Jesus Christ. Recount and recite the saving acts of God in history. Remember what God has done in your life. The road to spiritual adultery begins when you stop reveling in the love of God. Few Christians plan to fall into grievous sin. It is only after falling that they realize they have drifted away from the God of love.”^[2]

Chuck Larsen

For all previous daily devotions go to www.chucklarsen.com

^[1] John Guest and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Jeremiah, Lamentations, vol. 19, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1988), 33.

^[2] Philip Graham Ryken, Jeremiah and Lamentations: From Sorrow to Hope, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2001), 40.

In His relationship with the children of Israel, God had always been faithful. He always kept His promises. He always came through for them in their time of need. He was in all respects the perfect husband. Therefore, God asks his unfaithful wife to point out where He had failed. Jeremiah 2:4-5 says, “Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. Thus says the LORD: What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me?”  As Gingrich points out, “The marital relationship soon soured but certainly it was not because of unfaithfulness on God’s part for He fulfilled his part of the covenant and brought His people safely through the wilderness into a land of plenty, to partake of the goodness thereof.”^[1] Then why were they unfaithful?

According to one website definition, a “No fault” divorce “describes any divorce where the spouse asking for a divorce does not have to prove that the other spouse did something wrong. All states allow no fault divorces. To get a no fault divorce, one spouse must simply state a reason for the divorce that is recognized by the state. In most states, it’s enough to declare that the couple cannot get along.”[2] God is simply asking for their reason for the divorce. Ryken puts the problem in simple language: “God did not leave his people—they dumped him. God’s people were the ones who walked out on the marriage. They used to love him, but it’s all over now.” They had no complaint! There was no failing in God’s part regarding the covenant arrangement. They were unfaithful, but God remained faithful in every way!

All the problems, pains and hardships that came upon Israel and would come upon Israel and Judah according to Jeremiah’s prophecy came and would come as a result of their unfaithfulness to God. Jeremiah makes that clear in Chapter 2, verse 17. He says, “Have you not brought this on yourselves by forsaking the Lord your God when he led you in the way?” It’s often said that for every person who moves away from God because of adversity, there are 100 who do so because of prosperity. Davidson says, “A bond, forged and tested in the harsh life of the desert, snapped with the coming of prosperity in the land of Canaan.”^[3] Ryken finishes his remarks on this verse. He says, “As the saying goes, ‘If God does not seem as close as he used to, who moved?’ Why would anyone ever move away from God? It makes no sense! Why would a bride leave a perfect husband? Why would she abandon a spouse who fulfilled all his vows to her? There is no explanation, no excuse. God’s bride separated from her husband without the slightest provocation.”^[4]

^[1] Roy E. Gingrich, The Book of Jeremiah (Memphis, TN: Riverside Printing, 2001), 8.

[2] http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/no-fault-divorce-vs-fault-divorce-faq-29080.html

^[3] Robert Davidson, Jeremiah, vol. 1, The Daily Study Bible Series (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1983), 25.

^[4] Philip Graham Ryken, Jeremiah and Lamentations: From Sorrow to Hope, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2001), 39.