Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
7/14 Reading Portions: Joshua 20-21; Acts 1; Jeremiah 10; Matthew 24
Jeremiah 10:23
I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
KNOW
Some of the medieval rabbis suggest this may have been a reference to Nebuchadnezzar, who had determined to subdue the Ammonites, yet when the Babylonian king came to a fork in the road in God’s providence, he unwittingly chose instead to go to Jerusalem to chastise Zedekiah, being redirected by YHVH God. This may be a correct interpretation because of the preceding verses (Jer 10:17-22). Nevertheless, the following verse indicates there is a wider context— a general principle for God’s people:
Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:24
Jerusalem ran rampant with idolatry (Jer 10:1-16). God’s judgment was inevitable. “I know,” says the prophet, as well as all the godly people in Jerusalem, that they cannot escape the judgment coming; and that God will direct the steps of men to carry out His plans and purposes. In America today, idolatry is rife among its inhabitants. Idols of every kind have been erected in the hearts and minds of unbelievers (and even among many professors of faith), and it must not continue. We are not fatalists just because it is happening. We must continue to stand for Christ, stand upon His Word, and step out for God’s glory alone through Christ’s exaltation. The wickedness was so great in Jeremiah’s day that he had no more tears to shed, even…
for the slain of the daughter of my people. Jeremiah 9:1
Nevertheless, we can trust in the wisdom and the goodness of God, just as Jeremiah did. As Christians, you and I know. Christ’s way, His plans, and His purposes must replace the way of man because it is not in himself. Though the idolatry we see today has begotten ignorance, violence, insolence, and insurgence in the USA, our God is still sovereign; and He alone is good. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Oh, blessed truth to trust in God,
Though trouble brews among us;
And He will bring an iron rod,
To discipline through Jesus.
