Jeremiah 5:10-11

‘’Don’t show me up!’’

How many times did I hear the above exhortation from my mother during my childhood days?! She was acutely aware that her reputation with other people was tied up with my behaviour. I had the ability to redden her cheeks with shamed embarrassment. Maybe I sometimes used that ability (even if not necessarily with intent!)

These people thought they belonged to God, but for a long time they had not behaved like they did (10). They had acted unfaithfully. As we have seen, they were spiritually adulterous. We might say they had shown the Lord up before men. They were like besmirched mirrors that could not properly reflect the Lord’s glory.

Once again, though, in the face of judgment there is hope (10); there is evidence of mercy shown. God had promised to give Abraham an everlasting nation (Genesis 17:7, 8) and therefore He intended to leave a remnant out of which a renewed and purified nation could arise. The branches would be ripped off, but the root and stock spared.

Prayer: Thank you dear Lord that you remain faithful regardless of how we are. Nevertheless, may that fruit of the Spirit which is faithfulness grow in us more and more.