July 7, 2010 Does It Pay To Obey?

July 7, 2010
Jeremiah 11 - 13

Jer 12:1 Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

JEREMIAH’s heart cries out in fear, despair, and grief. he wonders: Why do the wicked win?

I think we still wonder the same thing: Does it really pay to obey God?

Let’s back up a minute and consider this question: What was the source of Jeremiah’s grieving heart? Jeremiah and God had a very close, loving relationship. And when you love God, you love as he does. And you hate as he does. You love people when they need it most. And you hate their sins that isolate them from God’s blessings.

And you also get frustrated (as Jeremiah seems to be) because you trust him in everything. And sometimes you wonder: “Why, God, are these people living a good life when they disobey you?”

Jeremiah got his answer when he saw their “good life”, as the clean rag turn to dirt and become useless. The people’s wickedness turned them into useless dirty people. Pay attention to those who “look good” but disobey God, and you’ll see the same thing happen happen—every time. Their lives look successful, but their sin gradually fills them and destroys them.

Jeremiah came to clearly understand that the LORD’s ways was the true, clean way. When he saw God condemn the sin, he grew even closer to God. And in that relationship, Jeremiah trusted more truly that God would one day keep his promise to deliver his people from their sin.

Trusting God’s ways will keep you clean.