Hear the word of the Lord . . . (Jeremiah 7:2)

The theme for our adult camp was “Comfort My People.” Speaker after speaker spoke words of assurance. But the last speaker drastically changed the tone. He chose Jeremiah 7:1–11 and the topic “Wake Up from Slumber.” Without mincing words and yet with love, he challenged us to wake up and turn away from our sins.

“Don’t hide behind the grace of God and continue to live in secret sin,” he exhorted, like the prophet Jeremiah. “We boast, ‘I am a Christian; God loves me; I fear no evil,’ yet we do all kinds of evil.”

We knew he cared about us, yet we shifted uncomfortably in our seats and listened to our own Jeremiah declare, “God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire! (see Heb. 12:29). He will never condone sin!” 

Jeremiah of old quizzed the people, “Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?” (7:9–10). 

This speaker’s brand of “Comfort My People” was another side of God’s comfort. Like a bitter herb that heals malaria, his words were spiritually curative. When we hear hard words, instead of walking away, may we respond to their healing effect. 

Heavenly Father, You love us too much to let us continue defying Your instructions. Your correction is never to harm us but only to heal us. You are the God of all comfort. Amen.

I must admit when I first read this my initial thought was to skip it and look for something to share that was a bit more “comfortable” for people to read, something not so harsh but The Holy Spirit kept tugging at me to share it today. Why? I don’t know but I do know His word will not return void but it will accomplish that which it was sent to do, so I must be obedient and share what The Lord wants someone to hear today. I pray this blesses someone today, pricks your sinful nature and causes you to turn from your wicked ways and follow Him with a whole, honest heart. What a beautifully written devotion.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 7:1-11