HUMAN nature has not changed in thousands of years. The outlook Jeremiah describes is seen so often in our own “modern” world. In the ordinary everyday world we get up if we fall down, we turn back if we have taken the wrong turning but if we make a misjudgement spiritually we refuse to change. We are headstrong by nature and too often don’t exercise the common sense we have been given by God. We don’t pray – unless we are pushed into a corner. Then even the unbeliever talks about praying!
Verses 10-12 describe the prevailing attitude to the Word of God that was given to us so long ago. Clever men try to tell us what it says but they end up rejecting it The Lord repeats what He has already said (Ch 6 vv 12-15).
The repetition emphasises the thought that it doesn’t make any difference if someone is clever or in a position of influence when it comes to being tempted to value money and possessions over anything else. Being greedy makes them deceitful. They put a sticking plaster on a broken leg, not appreciating the seriousness of the situation. Jesus spoke of this attitude when he told the Pharisees, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions.” (Mark Ch 7 v 9). John records a conversation Jesus had with some Pharisees which makes the same point, (John Ch 9 vv 39-41).
How many times does God have to speak to us before we will listen? We may well wonder what we as individuals can do about changing the mind of society and the opinions of governments, but if we will begin with ourselves and for our part repent and ask God to act in our generation then perhaps we will see the beginnings of change.
