Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Jeremiah 44:18, ” But since we stopped burning incense to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been consumed by the sword and by famine. ” 

Background

If you’ve ever made a wholesale change in your life or drastically altered the way you do something, you might have been surprised by the initial results. Many times, when we completely revamp an area of our lives or significantly change a habit or routine, the results are not quite what we expect. In fact, initially we may see things change for the worse. If you change your diet or workout regimen or the way you do a chore or do business on the computer, you may at first gain weight or be more tired or hungry, or you may seem to get less done or take longer to accomplish what you have done before. But as you stick with the new routine, the changes you made begin to pay off, and you feel better and weigh less with more energy, and your home runs more smoothly and your business is more organized and efficient. 

Application

But for the Jews in Egypt, they didn’t see it that way. They were worshipping the idols and doing everything that God had prohibited, but when they tried to stop, they saw things turn bad, and so they thought that the only thing to do was to go back to the incense and the drink offerings. They didn’t believe that God was judging the sin they had committed. Things got a little tough, and so they went right back to what they had done before. And even when God explained it to them, they told Him, ” We will not listen to You. ” Now that kind of brazen defiance rarely leaves our mouths, but we can be all too familiar with returning to what we have turned away from, especially when things get a little tough. Comfortable, familiar sin can win out over uncertain faith and trust. Handling it now, our way, satisfies differently than letting go and waiting. But it’s not the right choice, is it? We know that, albeit too late sometimes. But today is another chance to stick with what’s right rather than going back. Today you can choose to endure with the Christ who empowers you rather than see where your old ways will take you. Make the right choice, and let that satisfaction carry you onward. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, don’t give an ear to the things you have left behind. Renew your trust in what God is doing in you and let Him work according to His will and timing.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words