Read: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27
The people of Israel’s response to Isaiah’s rebukes were that they were wise because they had the law of God. Isaiah countered that they may have God’s laws but they had taken them and twisted them to feed their fancy. They had told the people that there would be peace in the land so God was going to give their wives to other men and the land to other people. Snakes would bite them, there would be no healing for their wounds -physical, spiritual or emotional. Their friends would deceive one another and there would be no one who was truthful. Death would come to many of them with no way of escape. God would punish everyone who was not a true follower of his law.
Paul encourages us to come up higher and see our lives from God’s perspective. Set our heart on the things he has set his heart on. We are to live compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to forgive one another and put on love which makes us one.
Psalms 78 laments over the sin of Israel. It says that the only way they would turn back is if he slew them. He only did this after time after time of forgiveness and restraint. When his bowl was full of their sin, it finally tipped and he had to bring judgment. God would rather choose mercy over judgment, but he will do whatever it takes to bring his children home - even judgment.
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