Word for Word 1/27/21

A choice of direction

In Jeremiah 18, the prophet recorded how God sent him to watch a potter at work. As the potter worked, the first vessel was “marred in the hand of the potter.” So he crushed it down and shaped a new form to his pleasure.

Then God said to Jeremiah, “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.” (Jeremiah 18:6-10)

The lesson is simple enough, but is our nation listening to God’s Word? In the last year we have seen more social disruption than has been felt since WWII. Cities like Minneapolis and Kenosha experienced extensive property destruction and looting. Portland was the stage of over 100 days of violent riots, and in Seattle protestors ousted police presence and built their own walled jurisdiction.

Again, are we listening to God’s Word? “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34)

Instead of seeing children as the heritage of God (Psalm 127:3), we have exalted abortion to the point that some Hollywood elites lament never having had an abortion.

Instead of respecting authority (Romans 13:1-7), we bail out those who assault the police and destroy property.

Instead of respecting God’s created genders (Genesis 1:27; Mark 10:6), we have labeled ourselves according to the imagination of our heart (Jeremiah 9:14 and 16:12).

Instead of obeying God’s command to love our fellow man (Matthew 22:37-39), many pride themselves in their hatred of members of opposing political parties.

Instead of rejecting racism and sexism (Galatians 3:28), we have elected an administration staffing its cabinet according to race and gender.

Certainly, God’s promise to nations is true. Spiritual evil produces moral decay and chaos.

But do not despair, for God’s Word also offers us hope if we will listen. “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” (Joel 2:12-13)

The solution to the confusion and fear in our country lies in obeying God’s Word and repenting of our sins. Let us accept His solution, that His blessing may return upon our land.

Pastor Matthew Majewski
Center Baptist Church
Lansing