We are back in the OT and looking at Jeremiah for 2 weeks. Today –chapter ten considers what idols distracted Israel. Outside influence was just as much of a problem for OT Israel as it is for the modern church. Have a read and be encouraged and enlightened!
Jeremiah 10: Idols and the Living God
1 Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.
2 Thus says the LORD: "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,
3 for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman.
4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.
5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good."
6 There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might.
7 Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you.
8 They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood!
9 Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz. They are the work of the craftsman and of the hands of the goldsmith; their clothing is violet and purple; they are all the work of skilled men.
10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.
11 Thus shall you say to them: "The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens."
12 It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
13 When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
14 Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them.
15 They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish.
16 Not like these is he who is the portion of Jacob, for he is the one who formed all things, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance; the LORD of hosts is his name.
17 Gather up your bundle from the ground, O you who dwell under siege!
18 For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I am slinging out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and I will bring distress on them, that they may feel it."
19 Woe is me because of my hurt! My wound is grievous. But I said, "Truly this is an affliction, and I must bear it."
20 My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken; my children have gone from me, and they are not; there is no one to spread my tent again and to set up my curtains.
21 For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the LORD; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.
22 A voice, a rumor! Behold, it comes!--- a great commotion out of the north country to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a lair of jackals.
23 I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
24 Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.
25 Pour out your wrath on the nations that know you not, and on the peoples that call not on your name, for they have devoured Jacob; they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation.
Things to think about…
1. The whole issue of idol worship is summed up in Jer 10:2. Israel had learned the way of the nations! The nations made images to the heavens because they didn’t understand the Creator, so they worshipped the creation. Modern examples are the extreme environmental groups that evoke worship through militant activity rather than God honouring stewardship. They do not understand the Creator and so are fearful of the natural signs and wonders the Lord performs in His creation. Can you think of any examples?
2. Jeremiah says look at this folly, they cut a tree down, they hire a craftsman and cover the image with gold or silver and then bow down to it and ask it for blessing and guidance. It is like a scarecrow in a crop – the thing needs to be carried, it can’t do anything by itself. They are pretty to look at and are nice to have, but can’t do anything for themselves – some are probably sitting in our garages or in our lounge-rooms as we prepare for Christmas. This is a little harsh of course, but Christmas is celebrated primarily in our culture as a secular event. While we don’t bow down to Christmas trees we must contend to have the season focus on the greatest gift ever given – the Son of God, Jesus. The point of this season should be the birth of the Saviour needs to be shouted from the rooftops.
3. Jeremiah says that Israel, as a result of listening to the nations and making idols, would be carried away. Look at Jer 10:17. He says “gather your bundle, you who are under siege”. Not only did Israel not benefit from having idols, all they will have are meagre rations to take with them on their journey to captivity to Babylon. This happened in 586BC. If you know the truth and yet follow earthly distractions, you will eventually be left with nothing. I appreciate the description Jeremiah gives such individuals in Jer 10:8 and 14, he calls them “stupid”.
4. Jeremiah’s conclusion is that knowledge of the right way is not able to be discerned by man. He cannot direct even his own steps, Jer 10:23. This is true. We are so arrogant, we think we actually know something! When we wander so far away from God, it is a rude shock when we actually hear God’s truth and understand His standards. Speaks to the church in our day. We want to comfort people and make things a bit easier by widening the narrow way just a little bit more. In the end we are setting ourselves up against God because we have wandered so far away from a true knowledge of who He truly is that the heart of the gospel is squeezed out. Meditate on the last two Jer 10:24 & 25. Remember, our God has not changed, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The church is the pillar and foundation of the truth. What happens when that pillar and foundation rejects the truth? It loses its identity and no longer has the stable and solid influence in society, it becomes like the world and is just another option and becomes a worldly institution rather than being salt and light. We become another option in a multitude of choices, rather than the guardians of truth and grace in our world.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. TGP – internet provider is being sorted this week. Pray it is resolved.
2. That we see Christ even as Covid goes through the community.
3. Praise, hope and Joy through this new year.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More new folk on Sunday
2. Wonderful worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Zac, Gina as well as iMan and Tim – technical team.
3. Safety over the Christmas New Year’s season.
4. Joy in our service, great times in the cafe.
5. Word of God being blessed at CBC.
Announcements
1. All ministries on break until the end of January
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
