Jeremiah 22 reminds me of the expression, “The seed doesn’t fall far from the tree”. We often use this to describe how a child is much like their parent. This can be a good thing, if your father is successful and respected, but what if your dad is a scoundrel? Are we condemned by the sins of our father? Todays’ chapter screams, “This ends here!” Remember, the northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen and the Babylonians were posed to capture Jerusalem. Each king was worse than their predecessor. God has a word for the king of Judah and all the corrupt officials of the southern kingdom; “Do what is just and right”. This is the point when the philosopher begins to debate. Truly, what is right and what is wrong? The psychologist removes absolutes, “What’s right for you may not be right for me”. Interestingly, the verse most often used to point out God’s injustice is given in the midst of the Ten Commandments (In both Exodus and Deuteronomy). “for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me,but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments” (Ex 20:5-6). A debate of right and wrong can only happen when we remove, reduce or replace God’s Word. Jeremiah continues with God’s promise to the king, “But if you do not obey these commands, I swear by Myself that this palace will become a ruin”. The king is given a choice, follow the sins of his father, or follow the law of God. Each of us is given the same freewill choice.
The chapter continues with promises of destruction, bitterness and loss. “I will surely make you like a wasteland… Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord… weep bitterly for him who is exiled… He will never return”. The comments are directed at the “king of Judah”, and the names of three generations of kings are mentioned through the chapter. I am forced to conclude that I have the same choice as my dad and granddad. None of us were assigned a decision. Again Jeremiah presents the options: “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness”; “He did what was right and just, so all went well with him”. The proof he offers is not tied to income, or intention, or knowledge; but action. “He defended the cause of the poor and needy”. He does not consider the family, but only the fella, “But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain…oppression and extortion”. Where are your eyes focused?
It seems the chapter closes with a deadline to choose. Integrity does not wait until the temptation is at hand, but predetermines priorities. “I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, ‘I will not listen!’” There is no mention of parental malpractice. God deals with the individual, “This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed Me”. And He explains the end of this path, “Then you will be ashamed and disgraced because of all your wickedness”. Friend, have you been blaming your family tree as the reason you are a nut? God allows no exemption for his father, “I will deliver you into the hands of those who want to kill you, those you fear”. There is no doubt, his children will face different challenges, “none of his offspring will prosper, none will sit on the throne of David or rule anymore in Judah” but they too will chose to honor God, or blame their dad. Can you break the cycle of sin? Yes, as soon as you realize you have been adopted. “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves” (Ephesians 1:4-6). I believe our actions follow understanding. Are you ready for a new start?, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… the gods your ancestors served… or the gods in whose land you are living… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).