Frightening words

As I have been reading Jeremiah, two phrases leapt out at me as the most frightening warnings given by the Lord.  War, disease, poverty, even death do not seem as terrible as these to me.  “I have taken away my peace from this people, says the Lord, my steadfast love and mercy.” (16:5b NRSV) and “I will show them my back, not my face…” (18:17b) God is removing His character from His people.  He is still there, an obvious Presence, but they cannot see or even feel His nature.  I can’t understand why anyone would choose to go their own way, when this is the end result.  God’s presence in my life, at work in and around me, is the most precious place to be.  So the question for me today is, “How can I make that truth clear to those who don’t know and how can I teach others to proclaim this powerful message?”

Thank God, it is not left to me but in fact, He continues to be at work in the world.  Chapter 18 is the vivid picture of the potter at work.  “The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him…Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” (18:4, 6)  ‘God is busy molding, forming, pushing and pulling Israel into shape, just as a potter shapes clay.  God is not passive, but actively forming the community in unseen and unacknowledged but powerful ways.  Jeremiah’s words to the faithless but potentially faithful community are themselves an example of a creative, resourceful God at work.’ (The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible)  The answer is to join God in His work.  

Praise note:  The McDowells have a healthy grandson!  They will be home in June and get to see him.  And, I will be home in June (for a few weeks) and get to see him, too!