The End But Not The End

Jeremiah 19:1-2 and10-11  -   The LORD said to me, "Go and buy a clay jar. Then ask some of the leaders of the people and of the priests to follow you. Go out into the valley of the son of Hinnom by the entrance to the Potsherd Gate, and repeat to them the words that I give you…..

……  "As these men watch, Jeremiah, smash the jar you brought with you.  Then say to them, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: As this jar lies shattered, so I will shatter the people of Judah and Jerusalem beyond all hope of repair. They will bury the bodies in Topheth until there is no more room.

 

This chapter is not pretty…Jeremiah had to deliver one of the toughest messages yet. God had reached his limit…he was poised to begin some tough love on his people.  They had gone their own way long enough. The evil had to be stopped.

 

The vessel that God had meant for good and prosperity had taken control of its own destiny by making its own rules.  They had left God far behind…even laughing at Jeremiah’s messages. This was the end for them….and yet not the end for all people to have a chance to know him.

 

Perhaps this is the point that God decided to open his love to all people. His chosen people had turned their back so completely on him…that he just looked at his son and said….  “It’s time Jesus for you to go save the world….I have tried everything else…now it’s up to you.”

 

I am so very thankful that God did not destroy his people and just leave it at that.  Jesus took the challenge and walked this earth in human form and made the greatest sacrifice known to man. He gave his life as the last blood sacrifice and opened the way for all of us to worship God.  All we have to do is believe in him and accept his love into our heart.

 

He is coming back some day…to end evil for good.  It’s gotten pretty bad out there again. In some countries it is beyond my ability to cope.  I stopped reading and watching most news …it’s just too sad.  Maybe that is wrong of me….I should be watching them…to find out who I need to be lifting up in prayer. May God give his greatest comfort to his children who have to cope with the greatest of evils.

 

Father…thank you for the reminder that you are in complete control…and you will only tolerate evil for a limited time.  Forgive me for turning a deaf ear to so much of the news…instead of listening to the stories and lifting those who deal with these terrible injustices in prayer. Help me to find a new compassion in my heart for those that are in the midst of where you haven’t decided to reign in terror yet. Give them strength and faith to keep you in their hearts…no matter how hard it gets….until you come and start shattering clay pots again.  Amen.