Working with a Harsh Word

Scripture Passage that caught my attention today: Jeremiah 3:2 Look up to the bare heights, and see!
Where have you not been lain with?
By the waysides you have sat waiting for lovers,
like a nomad in the wilderness.
You have polluted the land
with your whoring and wickedness.

Observation: Jeremiah uses the explicit language of unfaithfulness to describe how Israel and Judah have behaved against the Lord.

Application: usually the term “whordom” relates to a woman who has sexual relations with many a man, perhaps for pay, perhaps not. Setting aside for a moment the notable double-standard of men who do the same thing, there can be no doubt that Jeremiah does not use the term ‘whordom’ as a compliment. He and God are disgusted by Israel and Judah’s more-than-obvious lack of fidelity to the one true God. Elsewhere in these chapters the prophet declares that they practice their infidelity toward God “on every high hill and under every green tree.” Classy!

The language is harsh and raw but also true and vivid. The people have forsaken their God. Following the customs of other people, Israel and Judah have bowed down to other gods with striking regularity. Their homage to the God who first loved them is seldom put into practice and, even then, Jeremiah suggests that it is under false pretense. Tis a sorry state of affairs, if you’ll pardon the pun.

God’s people have not improved much over time. Today as much as ever we have trouble giving the God of our ancestors the allegiance that our Lord both craves and deserves. This God has come to us in the form of the crucified and risen Jesus and has done what we have been unable to do—remain faithful to us even though we have not been faithful to him. We may not worship poles and rocks and other a sundry items, but we are as prone as any to place our trust in people and material conditions that are a far cry from works of God and this God’s call on our life. I don’t normally think of such things as “whoring.” But maybe I should.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be more faithful to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.