Day 215

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Fire of Destruction

Scripture

August 2—Jeremiah 4-6: Prophet of Destruction

Observation

Using frightening imagery of thundering chariots and clanging swords, Jeremiah cries out to an unhearing, unconcerned people to announce God's soon-coming judgment upon them for their idolatry. Judah has gone too far for pardon (5:7), and its rebellious, unrepentant attitude has earned punishment so grave and terrible that the prophet's heart breaks as he proclaims it (4:19).

Application

Radical problems often necessitate radical solutions. To extinguish an oil well fire, dynamite is sometimes used. The mind-blowing power of the explosion is the only way to "blow out" the raging inferno. In medicine, the seemingly radical amputation of a limb preserves life by stopping the progress of cancer or gangrene. Many old buildings are best "renovated" by tearing them down, clearing the rubble and building anew.

Judah's apostasy had destroyed the nation's spiritual vitality. Like a spreading cancer it resisted half-hearted attempts at treatment. Clearly, something more radical was needed—something that would purge the nation of its idolatry and immorality.

Before God can build into your life, there may be things he needs to blast and remove: bad habits, selfish attitudes, walls of indifference, closets of secret sin. Have possessions in your life become the focus of your affection? Are people in your life tearing you down, rather than building you up? Do pursuits in your life oppose rather than promote the kingdom of God? Pick one of those areas of need, and with God's help, deal with it now before the cure becomes more painful than the disease.

Prayer

Dear God, if we begin to deviate from your Word, purge us of our sins from the beginning in our way of understanding for we do not want a radical cure for our diseased sinful nature. We want to forever stay in your grace to receive your mercy in our life. We don't want to miss a day of following after you and searching for the truth. You are the Truth! We do not want your fire of destruction to come upon us instead we want your fire of refinement to make us into the people you will have us to be. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus! Amen!


The Fire of Refinement!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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