Jeremiah 15 reminds me of the famous last words of Rhett Butler. He loved Scarlett and wanted to give her everything, but she was spoiled and selfish and self-centered. After rescuing her, protecting her and trying to encourage a spark of empathy, he leaves her with the words signify that he will not return, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a Damn”. Today’s chapter begins with God explaining, “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from My presence!” The Jewish people ask, “Where shall we go?” Regrets often come after it is too late to save the relationship. We cannot undo what has been done. People will put on their hat and leave, but God always allows second chances. This is not the end of the story, there is no music playing. The Jewish people had been spoiled and self-centered and they will have to deal with the consequences of separation from God, but He never stops caring. God explains to Jeremiah, “I will send four kinds of destroyers against them…I will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth”. With emotion He asks, “Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will stop to ask how you are?” But He is very clear, “You have rejected Me… You keep on backsliding”. And God does not accept false promises of repentance, “I am tired of holding back… for they have not changed their ways”. Are you ready to put action behind your words?
We are given a hint of the horror ahead for the Jewish nation, “bereavement and destruction… widows… anguish and terror… disgraced and humiliated”. Jeremiah is so distraught by the image of things to come and his mission to tell the people. He says, “everyone curses me”. Sometimes the observer of a relationship catches grief for pointing out the obvious. God promises Jeremiah, “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose”. Jeremiah asks, “Lord… remember me and care for me. Avenge me… I suffer reproach for your sake”. The prophet has been trustworthy, “When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight”. Are you hurling anger at a caring soul that is pointing out your folly?
The chapter ends with God’s promise to Jeremiah. “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me… you will be My spokesman… if you utter worthy… words”. Listen to the key to the chapter, “Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them”. This is what God desires from each of us; to turn from our selfishness and turn toward His Mercy. We must turn. Perhaps these words are for us too, “I am with you to rescue and save you… I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel”. My friend, God does not damn anyone, but He will give us the choice. He will not force us to receive Him. This is not the time to say “Tomorrow is another day”. Revelation 3:20 says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me”. He will not barge in, He must be invited. What are you waiting for?