Face First

Wow!  This chapter tore me up this morning.  Here's some quick context.

God instructs Jeremiah to buy his cousin's field in Jerusalem right after informing him that he was going to allow Jerusalem to be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.  Jeremiah felt as I often have when my God-inspired dreams exist in contradiction with present reality.  So the bulk of the chapter finds Jeremiah seeking understanding.

Some great themes emerge in the process.  The power of vision.  God's sovereignty.  God's determination to redeem broken cities.  Faith to invest money into things unseen.

But what sticks out to me is God's explanation as to why the trouble was coming to Jerusalem: They have turned to me their back and not their face (verse 33).

I can't ever remember intentionally and rebelliously turning my back toward God.  But I don't think most of us do.  My reasons are more subtle.  I forget to look to God because I'm trying too hard to live on my own.  Sometimes I'm afraid to face God because that would require facing my own sins and weaknesses.  Other times I fail to look to him because I'm simply too distracted, focusing on something or someone else.

But the greatest 180 degree turn is to turn your face to God. 

Give God your attention.  Be honest and vulnerable.  Let him look you in the eye.  Discover the courage to be known.

I took some time to face up this morning and re-establish some lost intimacy with Christ.  We made eye contact again.  You know, those eyes that burn with fire?  They're also filled with love. 

It's no wonder the after-glow of repentance is worship.

Comments

[Jenilee Goodwin]

Wow! I was reading the SAME chapter this am and I loved verses 38-39 "...I will give them singleness of heart and action..." What a goal... to have a singleness of heart in your devotion to God and have it be displayed in your actions. Thanks for pointing out verse 33 as well!