Jeremiah 17:5-10
Read Jeremiah 17:5-10
Helpful Background Information:
In our second devotional leading up to Christmas, we find rich truths straight from the Lord. The Lord, through the prophet Jeremiah, is confronting the sin of Judah. The primary sin he calls Judah out for is the sin of self-sufficiency. At this point in her history, Judah was seeking political alliances with Egypt to counteract the growing influence of Babylon - instead of trusting in the Lord and his might. Priests and Kings ignored God’s decrees; their hearts were driven towards sinful corruptions of justice.
Not only was this a national reality, but an individual reality. Most of the common Israelites took upon themselves this sinful mindset of self-sufficiency, trusting in their own power for strength and deliverance. This mindset is a generalization of all human conduct across history. Those who depend on their flesh for “strength” are satisfied with their own abilities. They do not believe they need divine help.
In verse 8, the Lord contrasts the sin of self-sufficiency with the blessedness of trusting in him. Though drought and heat may come, a tree planted by water will flourish. Its leaves will remain green, and it will bear fruit. The metaphor suggests a person who can endure life’s adversities without anxiety and is stable and productive. It is the OT equivalent of the “abundant life” Jesus mentioned (John 10:10).
And then, in verse 9, we see that Judah’s problem of sin is a common one, extending to the whole fallen human race. The human heart has an unlimited capacity for wickedness and deceit. The only remedy for the sin of the human heart is regeneration, or rebirth, by the Spirit and grace of God. This rebirth is one of the saving benefits of redemption purchased by Christ. He came to save us from the dark depths of our twisted hearts - again, we were desperate for his coming.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways does this passage highlight your need for the coming of Christ at Christmas? What does this teach you about the desperate human condition apart from Christ?
Where in your life do you most naturally rely on your own strength, wisdom, or strategies instead of the Lord?
The Lord describes the blessed person as a tree with deep roots by the water. In what ways have you experienced God giving stability or peace even when outward circumstances were “heat” or “drought”? How has our Advent series helped to deepen your reliance upon Christ this Christmas season?