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4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the Lord: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves? 6 They did not say, "Where is the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that no one passes through, where no one lives?" 7 I brought you into a plentiful land to eat its fruits and its good things. But when you entered you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination. 8 The priests did not say, "Where is the Lord?" Those who handle the law did not know me; the rulers transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after things that do not profit. 9 Therefore once more I accuse you, says the Lord, and I accuse your children's children. 10 Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look, send to Kedar and examine with care; see if there has ever been such a thing.11 Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this, be shocked, be utterly desolate, says the Lord, 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:4-13 NRSV)
May this be a wonderful Wednesday for you and yours, dear Friend! As we spend time in prayer today, please remember Mr. Sammie Gibson as he continues to need our prayers for healing. He is in a rehab facility in Luling, and plans are to move him to Kyle to continue his therapy and healing. Please pray for Sammie and wife, Ginger and their family. This has taken way longer than they expected and we pray that wholeness come soon to our brother. Pray for one another. Pray for yourselves.
The story of our childhood, certainly mine, is very similar to the story of Israel and Judah in their relationship with God. God, like a good Father, provided the best for His children. The children given their free will and choices to make, decided to break God's heart rather than do what God expected. Instead of thankfulness, they suffered forgetfulness about all the good things that God did for them. The persons with the biggest broken hearts are parents whose children do the opposite of what was expected of them. Instead of choosing life, they chose things that lead away from life. Instead of a relationship they chose rebellion. Instead of faithfulness they chose disobedience. Instead of worshiping God with a grateful heart, they ran after false gods and idols. And the prophet describes it in this way; not only did they forsake God, they walked away from the "fountain of living water," and dug out cisterns for themselves, "cracked cisterns that can hold no water."
The rancher that chooses to drink from the same source as his/her cattle has made a huge mistake. S/he could have easily chosen the rich, thirst-quenching waters from home. The pet owner who chooses to imitate their pet by drinking from the toilet bowl also has chosen the worst thing. The same is true for us when we knowingly choose to follow anything or anyone other than God. God even said that no nation during that time chose to change their gods even though they were not real, but His own children chose to follow the false gods. And like the image above, not only is the vessel cracked so is our soul. The Good News is that God does and will welcome us back.
The week began with Jesus speaking on the great banquet where everyone is invited and welcomed; and here the Parent of us all wants us at that table, but so many choose to walk away or accept invitations that do not compare to God's. Our call is to respond to God but to invite others along with us.
PRAYER: Loving God, bless us on our journey with the wisdom to rightly choose that which bless You and Your children. Guide our steps loving Father. We pray healing mercies on those who need Your healing. Bless our brother Sammie and his family and all who are on our prayer lists. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Invite someone to the Table of the Lord!
Blessings of love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
