SUMMARY: Sliding away
OVERVIEW: God calls Judah faithless, accusing them of gradually sliding away from him, his love, and his plea for their return.
BIG IDEA: Don’t ignore spiritual decline, for it can quickly slide out of control.
KEY VERSE: Jeremiah 3:22 (God and Israel)
“My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” “Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply, “for you are the Lord our God.”
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I am always with you, so I see everything you do and hear everything you say. I even know your thoughts—there is no hiding from me. I want my presence to be a source of comfort, but it will serve as an indictment against faithless behavior when necessary. When you blatantly sin with no regard for me or my ways, there will be consequences. And I don’t just want you to say the right things. Your intentions and promises are meaningless when you do all the evil you do.
Stop trying to live a certain way. Stop trying to earn my love or impress others. Instead, return to me—just as you are. Say no to the temptation and craving and yes to me. When you do, my anger will subside. Come back to me, and let me bring healing and wholeness to your life. Confess your sin and acknowledge your guilt. Return to me, and I will restore you and strengthen you.
NEXT STEP
Beware of spiritual decline in your life. Identify it and fight it. Cry out to God for help and invite 1-3 others you trust to walk with you and help you focus on God.
SONG