A Foxhole Deal

O. T. #1759  "A Foxhole Deal"
August 19. 2020
Jeremiah 14-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Oh the pain of Jeremiah's heart of compassion as he saw war and famine ravage his nation and people. (verses 17-18) But they were a day late, so to speak-trying to make a foxhole deal with God so He would get them out of their mess, according to Tony Evans. (It was like a soldier who would make a deal with God to serve Him while in a foxhole in battle if He would let them live and get them out of the life-threatening situation.)
Yes, they confessed their sins, wickedness and their ancestors sins, also. They admitted to sinning against God (idolatry). (verses 19-22) Isn't this what God required and desired of Judah?

What was their problem?

• Stubborn: They wanted God to do His part, keeping His part of their covenant, but they did not want to do their part. The people of Judah wanting the blessings, but did not want to do what was required in order to get them.
• Insincere-They expressed sorrow for wrong actions, but would not stop doing the wrong.
• Wickedness-They got caught sinning and God knew it, as well that it would only continue. Hypocrites would be punished. They worshiped false gods and worthless idols.

Their pleadings were too little too late. It was the rejection of God, His warnings, and Word through prophets like Jeremiah that resulted in their captivity. Is it too late for America? I think not.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

As long as we rely on our own resources, we will never place our trust in Him. As we acknowledge the poverty of our souls, we realize how desperately we need a Savior. Jesus taught the disciples that true wealth is found in a relationship with God. Despite Zaccheus' material wealth, he recognized his spiritual poverty and found salvation. (Experiencing God Day-By-Day, by Henry and Richard Blackaby)

Do we allow our abilities, talents, wisdom, resources, or wealth to prevent us from trusting Jesus who can bring us abundant life? When we trust in God, He will enrich our lives immeasurably.

LET IT GROW

Only God can send rain, not worthless foreign gods. The LORD is our One and Only God who can do such things. Thou hast made all these things. Therefore we will wait upon Thee. (verse 22)

We have two more weeks of a hot and dry August in my area ahead of us. That is according to the weather predictions. Our leaves are beginning to fall and grass is turning brown already. But God can send our dry land rain. What about our land of spiritual dryness? Do we pray for Him to reign and send rain?

Do we acknowledge God as being sovereignly in control over all things?
Are we waiting upon Him to do His thing? Is our heart sincerely pleading with God before it is too late?
When we wait, our confidence and faith is in God whose timing is perfect and ways are best.

LET IT GO
Jesus, You have done great things.
We lift Your name high.
We wait upon You.
You can make a way, for You are The Way, Jesus.