Nougat 5

Have you ever wondered what to do about our time or whether it’s a brand new occurrence? Consider today’s Holy Nougat, it may prove revelatory.

“But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols.” Jeremiah 7:5-6 NLT

Jeremiah was speaking to God’s chosen people. In fact, some would say more chosen than you and me, given that they are direct (blood) descendants of Abraham and Sarah. Yet God was expressing profound disappointment in their actions. Murder, extortion, exploitation and idolatry seems to have been the order of the day. And no one seemed to be exempt from such, not even children.

Sounds like a reflection of our time though, doesn’t it? And all that is missing from the mix is wars, left, right and center. I suspect that God’s not the only concerned party as this plays out in our era. I guess the only difference between then and now is that more of us are conscientized to the extent that we desire solutions. More specifically divine intervention.

I notice however that while the message seems directed towards Judah (the Israelite kingdom had already been divided into Northern and Southern), it is might have been directed towards the remnant who still cried out to God. And that, in our time, is you and me. For there is collective guilt – that is directed towards a group or nation – for which we must repent. As ones gifted with keys to Heaven, our responsibility includes canceling or denouncing the evil in our land, and calling it out for what it is, regardless of family, political or even religious affiliation.

The question is, have we been doing so?

For this sure word through Jeremiah says Mercy will be evident *After Repentance* – a full 180. And here, Repentance includes an actual shift in behavior. We cry out for an end to these around us, also recognizing that with this end, the new beginning may very well be in Heaven.

Are we ready for that shift? Could that be a factor that is influencing our silence or complicity? Do we have days when we desire change but wish also to remain to experience it? (I confess, sometimes I do). Or maybe there are days that find us holding on to the past like Lot’s wife? I sincerely pray that our fatigue with the current status quo is greater than all other encumbrances.

Merciful Lord,

In the name of Jesus, we plead for Your transforming work in our lives, communities, places of worship and work and study, in our nations and for all creation. We don’t deserve it Lord, but on account of our faith in Jesus, we crave Your grace on us. Prepare us for whatever You do, so that we might be ready when You call. Hear and have mercy we pray dear Lord, amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ