A Dry Fount
7/15/26 Bible Thought (Jeremiah 14-15)
Main Idea: Judgment comes when mercy is exhausted.
A Look at the Text:
Today’s text opens with the historical setting of a drought in Judah (Jer. 14:1-6). The people were mourning for lack of water, and even animals neglected their young as a result. In response, it appears that Jeremiah led the people in a cry of repentance and a cry for help:
“Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. 8 O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? 9 Why should you be like a man confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot save? Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us” (Jer. 14:7-9).
To this, God replied that they weren’t accepted (Jer. 14:10). Even more, God told Jeremiah not to pray for them any longer (Jer. 14:11-12). Though lying prophets said all was well (Jer. 14:13-16), the truth was that exile was sure to come. Pestilence, sword, famine, and captivity were on the horizon (Jer. 15:2).
God had given His people numerous chances for years. Finally, He was tired of relenting (Jer. 15:7). Judgment was sealed, and even if the great prophets Moses and Samuel stood before Him, He would not relent. Judah stood in the crosshairs, and that was not going to change.
Bringing it Home:
The Bible consistently presents a God who is patient. He is slow to anger. Yet this does not mean that He doesn’t get angry. Many people think that judgment delayed is judgment denied and therefore sin is okay (see Ecc. 8:11). Yet that can’t be further from the truth.
God most certainly abounds in mercy, but there comes a point when the opportunity for mercy is no more. At present, creation exists in this window of opportunity until Christ comes again. Then, on the grand Day of the Lord, the books will be opened. All will be judged according to what they have done (Rev. 20:11-12). As it was in the days of Noah, once the door of the ark is shut, it remains shut.
On that final day, our only hope can be found in the mercy that was offered at the cross. We have an intercessor greater than Moses and Samuel. He intercedes for us based upon His perfect righteousness and atoning blood, and He is able to save to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25).
We must be found in Him before it is too late. While we deserve eternal exile because of our many sins, God offers us mercy today, but only through His Son Jesus Christ.
Challenge:
How do the ceaseless prayers of the Son of God on my behalf change the way I respect God’s mercy?