Sunday Morning Podcast September 21, 2014. Bro. Dave Goble.
TEXT: JEREMIAH 3:21-25
21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.
22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.
23 Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.
24 For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.
25 We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.
It is essential that each one of us have our own personal experience with God. Because of the people here not being individually devoted to God, they were found worshiping false gods, idols, etc. Looking back to other gods, had brought Israel the resulting destruction. Jeremiah the prophet of God, was called to deliver a message to them, regarding their backslidden condition. Jeremiah was frustrated that Israel had a “head knowledge” but not a true heart experience of obedience. Consequently their hope of Salvation was vain, (Verse 23). Their hope was found in the shame of worshiping the things around them, instead of the Lord God.
Are you looking back to the failures? Or looking forward to the Hope of Salvation? Each, individually, must take warning that God is against the conditions of mere worldly religion. For God offers hope when we are sincerely obedient, to have a relationship with Him. Otherwise, we, like literal Israel will be found in “destruction.” God doesn’t want a only a form of worship. He wants our whole heart to worship Him. A personal relationship. It would be unfortunate, after having all the messages of true Salvation to lead us, …one would still backslide away from it.
We can’t put our accountability on others. It’s personal. It must be wholehearted to all God has for us, to keep from the shame of a backslidden testimony. Then we can have something to share with other souls seeking Salvation. Israel acknowledged their condition. We cannot have a personal relationship, unless we do the same. If you truly want God, you will behave obediently and honestly in all you do. God hates a halfway relationship, focused on ourselves and/or others. A firm strategy for victory even in the tough battles, can only happen when seeking God personally and wholeheartedly. Through consecration. True consecration won’t be a bondage. It will be through a heart of obedience …to all God would show you!
Do you have a personal relationship with God?