“Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, for I will not listen to them when they cry out to me in distress.” – Jeremiah 11:14
No matter how rebellious and disobedient an adolescent becomes, the responsible parent never stops loving, caring, and praying for their child’s wellbeing. But the time inevitably comes when gentle love must be temporarily replaced with tough love until obedience is restored.
As we read Jeremiah 11, we see that while God’s patience is indeed long, it isn’t endless. Despite Jeremiah’s continued warnings, the people of Judea repeatedly refused to listen.
“They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both Israel and Judah have broken the covenant I made with their ancestors.” “You, Judah, have as many gods as you have towns; and the altars you have set up to burn incense to that shameful god Baal are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.” (Vv 10;13)
God’s command to Jeremiah in verse 14 to not pray for his people seems incredibly shocking. But their repeated disobedience and refusal to repent meant that it was time for tough love.
“Therefore, I am going to bring calamity upon them and they will not escape,” says the Lord. “Though they beg for mercy, I will not listen to their cries. Then the people of Judah and Jerusalem will pray to their idols and burn incense before them. But the idols will not save them when disaster strikes!” (Vv 11-12)
The time for more prayer was over; unrepentant sin brings it just reward. Outwardly, the Israelites tore their clothes and mourned, and great weeping could be heard all throughout the town. But inwardly their hearts remained unchanged, and their prayers for mercy went unheard. Calamity awaited.
As we read this account of Jeremiah, how does God’s sobering message to the Israelites land with us today? What are the idols in our lives that we’re burning incense to? Are our prayers of repentance genuinely heartfelt, or are we simply expressing regret for the tough love that inevitably awaits? How can we keep praying for God’s help if we refuse to commit our lives to Him?
Friend, rid yourselves of whatever it is that you’re putting before God today. Whatever that is, it can’t possibly measure up to the blessings that He has in store for us. Commit yourselves to Him, and accept his gentle love.
Former Blackout Artist 