Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Do Not Pray for These Anymore
One of the most bizarre conversations between God and Jerimiah is that in the scriptures of Jeremiah 14:11-18. The Lord said to Jeremiah, “Do not pray for these people anymore.” At first look, it does not make sense. Why would a loving God say such a thing?
But God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. The explanation from God, in this situation, holds true. God speaks to Jeremiah and make it plain. “These people are caught up in wickedness. They fast and pray, but their hearts are not true. Their prophets tell lies. They say that I sent them, and I did not. Even the more, they prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. Foolishness is in their lying hearts.”
Jeremiah Given Another Task
“Remind the people,” God said, “that I cry night and day because of their actions… the destruction, disease, and famine that they are going through are due to their sinful ways. Even their prophets and priests do not know what they are doing [paraphrased].”
In other words, enough spankings to get them to do what tis right; now a greater wrath before others are loss and caught up in their sinful ways.
Jeremiah Pleads for Healing
Consequently, in this scripture, Jeremiah pleads for the land and people he loves. “Yes, the people are wicked. They are disobedient.”
“Lord, we confess our wickedness and that of our ancestors, too. We all have sinned against you. For the sake of your reputation, Lord do not abandon us. Do not disgrace your own glorious throne. Please remember us and do not break your covenant with us,” Jeremiah 14:20-21 NLT.
Even If Moses and Samuel Asked
Can you imagine that even if Moses, himself, or Samuel stood up to intercede (ask)for these people, God’s answer is, “I will not help.” The disobedience is too great. Now, those who are destined to die – will die; those who are destined for war – will see war; those who are destined for famine – famine; and yes, those who are destined for captivity, will go into captivity (Jeremiah 15:1-2).
Looking Through the Hourglass
Understand that God is allowing these things to His people, who are chosen among all other nations. They are the first called to be a nation who will represent what it is to be obedient and trust God.
In the New Testament scriptures, it is the body of Christ (believers), who is to show what it is to love and obey the Heavenly Father. Therefore, judgement begins at the house of God, 1 Peter 4:17-19. As the body of Christ, we make a choice (through freewill) and must give others the same respect (freewill) to live for Him.
Covenant
In summary, it is best not to make a covenant than to break a covenant. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) is to be the character model, stated by Christ. It is not a conformity to my attitude, my ways, and my thoughts. Perhaps, truthfully, the body of Christ acts superficially in many ways. For example, an ultimate reliance upon political systems to bring about spiritual submission to the Almighty is foolish. Like the people in Jeremiah’s day, trying to use worldly systems to fix a spiritual problem, can lead to failure. For this reason, many unbelievers question believers’ motives and love as the body of Christ.
Thus, can we become so zealous in our own ways and thoughts that we could cause God to say again, “Do not pray for these people anymore?”
God gives people a peak-a-boo, a warning, of what is to come when disobedience is without personal true repentance. Yet, He shows mercy each day. For more like this one, read Blessings During and After Captivity.
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