Are You Blushing More than Before?
7/12 Reading Portions: Joshua 16-17; Psalm 148; Jeremiah 8; Matthew 22
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
7/12 Reading Portions: Joshua 16-17; Psalm 148; Jeremiah 8; Matthew 22
Jeremiah 8:12
“Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush.”
QUESTION
The question the LORD asks through Jeremiah is rhetorical because He immediately provides an answer. The idolatry of the Canaanites or Perizzites in Joshua’s day, or even the idolatry of the Assyrians or Babylonians of Jeremiah’s day was one thing; however, the idolatry in Jerusalem was especially odious in the sight of YHVH God. From prophet to priest, there was a general dishonesty and pretentious falsehood among the inhabitants of the city where God had forever placed His name. The temple stood in Jerusalem for all to see. The activity of priests manifested throughout. The burning of incense, coincident with the morning and evening oblations, had not yet ceased. Nevertheless, true worship of the LORD was forsaken in the depths of men’s souls while false prophets placated the doublemindedness and the divided heart of this people…
“…saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” Jeremiah 8:11
When pretentious religionists commit idolatry in their hearts, they are unashamed in their abominations against God. We must, by God’s grace and with the Spirit helping us, guard ourselves from this tragedy. When leadership was wicked in Jerusalem, from the throne to the prophets, and to the priests, the hearts of the people will…
“…hold fast to deceit…” Jeremiah 8:5
In America today, for example, we face a situation where civic leaders profess a belief in Christ yet applaud and advocate the willful murder of the unborn. Their conscience is seared, and they are unashamed in committing abomination against God. In a country where we have enjoyed a huge helping of religious freedom, the words of Jeremiah are as true, powerful, and applicable today, as the day when they were first written. I’ve found I blush more often over pretentious religion that so easily ensnares us. The more we are unashamed for Christ, the more we will be ashamed and blush for the wickedness arising in our day.
When leaders have corrupted truth,
And extol self in Christ’s name,
Idolatry is at its root,
They were not at all ashamed.