2. Deserting Glory for Worthlessness Jeremiah 2: 1-20, 26-28, p

Story of Life  An astounding chapter in Jeremiah  Made me think of my own story:  When I came to faith I was excited about God  Then I got busy, I got distracted.  Jesus became a threat to everything else.  He became the “spare tire” not the “driver”

1. Primary Devotion  God delivered Israel from Egypt.  God provided for them everyday.  When I came to faith I was close & dependent on God  God is faithful; He works according to his good purpose  I have to trust, be patient, persevere.  But... Sometimes I want what I want.

2. Pursuit of Worthlessness  God: “What wrong did your fathers find in me … ?”  People doubted, disobeyed, desired, were deceived.  They forgot and forsook.  They were enticed to follow what does not “profit” (v 8)

3. Parallel Sins  First spiritual use of “living water”  Means “running water”  Always fresh, cool, revitalizing.  Instead of staying close to the “spring” tried to make cisterns.  It can only be stored in our souls (& lives).  Tried to find it elsewhere.

4. Plundered as Slaves  Tragedy, desolation, slavery.  How did the bride become the slave?  “realize how evil and bitter it is to forsake the Lord” (v 19)

5. Plea for Protection  “Come and save us!” (v 27)  God’s next words a shock: “Let the gods you made save you!”  It isn’t some weird Old Testament teaching:  Jesus’ teaching: “Repent and believe the Good News”  Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:6-7). REPENT.

5. Plea for Protection...  Repentance is how we stay close to the “spring”  The reason for God’s response (v 27):  Call wood “Father”  Say to a stone “You gave me birth”  They cry out with backs turned (lit: stiff-necks).

6. Protestation of Innocence  “I am innocent; he is not angry with me” (v 35)  God loves us too much to leave us the way we are.  When we repent & turn God will always rescue us.  He is the only source of soul-restoring “living water”  We have to come to the “spring”

Living It  Primary Devotion –  “loving bride” (v 2)  Pursuit of Worthlessness –  Going after what does not “profit/benefit” (v 8)  Parallel sins –  Forsaking God, the “spring of living water” (v 13)  Trying to make our own cisterns.

Living It  Plundered as Slaves –  (there is an element of blindness)  Plea for Protection –  God desires us to be free (2 Cor. 10:4-5)  Take captive every thought.

Living It  Protestation of Innocence –  Come to God in humble repentance  God has revealed the problem: DoubtedDoubted DisobeyedDisobeyed DesiredDesired been Deceivedbeen Deceived

Living It  Surrender to God “Lord, change me” (because I know you can)“Lord, change me” (because I know you can) “Lord, provide, intervene” (because I know you will)“Lord, provide, intervene” (because I know you will)  Repent of broken cisterns  Reject options that do not benefit