Listen and Learn

Read Jeremiah 44:1-10

In these verses, the last of our readings from the book of the prophet Jeremiah, we have God's pronouncement against His people who were living in Egypt.

They would not listen (v.5). Again and again God's warnings had come to the people of Israel through the Law and the Prophets, but they had refused to heed and had gone on in their wicked ways. God then gives two reasons why they should have listened to His voice and turned from their sin. First, they were only punishing themselves (v.7) by bringing evil and sorrow upon the land and upon their families; and, second, they were provoking Him (v.8) and bringing punishment upon themselves for their sin.

They would not learn (v.9). The history of Israel was a long catalog of sin followed by punishment, and repentance followed by favor. Over and over again the lesson had been repeated, at individual, tribal and national level, but all to no effect. "They have not humbled themselves... nor have they feared, nor walked in My law..." (v.10). God's steady, persistent teaching had been met by a proud mind, a stubborn, hard heart, and wayward feet.

Are our failures more frequently due to the fact that we will not listen, or that we will not learn?

Prayer: Lord, open my ears to hear Your Word, my heart to receive it, and my hands to do it. For the sake of Christ my Lord. Amen.

Image: Jeremiah prophesying.