don't be fooled

Rembrandt. The Prophet Jeremiah Mourning over the Destruction of Jerusalem.

1630. Oil on panel. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
For Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 (Proper 19)

There is a stream of thought that thinks a loving God couldn't possibly bring condemnation to anyone and that somehow we'll all pull through. Don't be fooled. Judgment came to the northern kingdom of Israel with the fall of its capitol Samaria to the Assyrians in 721 B.C. Despite this, the people of the southern kingdom refused to repent:

My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good. (Jer. 18:22)

This appears to be a deeply innate human tendency. I found confirming evidence this morning in my garage. I've been very clear with my boys about the importance of putting the garbage lids back on the containers, and keeping any garbage sealed up. Otherwise, one is libel to arrive home discovering that our dog Godfrey (that he is a family namesake makes it all the more painful) has decorated the driveway with various accoutrements of trash. At times they appear to be senseless children that have no understanding!

Judgment did come to the southern kingdom with the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Judgment will also come to the entire earth:

The whole land will be ruined, though I will not destroy it completely. Therefore the earth will mourn and the heavens above grow dark, because I have spoken and will not relent, I have decided and will not turn back.

So what . . . ? Here is the so what:

O Jerusalem (a.k.a. people of God, a.k.a. dear reader) wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?

. . . Don't be fooled. Fortunately for us, there is still time.