Although our sins testify against us, do something, Lord, for the sake of your name. For we have often rebelled; we have sinned against you. – Jeremiah 14:7
Judah was going through a drought.| WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Sustained or multiple droughts could mean life and death situations in ancient societies where most people made their living by farming. A drought was a special issue for ancient Israel and Judah because the often-worshipped Canaanite idol Baal, was thought to be the god of weather and rain. So, many ancient Israelites were drawn to Baal worship because they wanted rain.
A drought was part of the covenant curses and was a possible punishment for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). The Lord intended that the drought would bring the nation to repentance.
Jeremiah, using his prophetic imagination, thought of what true repentance would look like from Judah. It began with an utter confession of guilt and an appeal for undeserved mercy.
In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” True repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19), conviction of sin, which is God’s work in us (John 16:8-11), sorrow for sin and turning from it (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Repentance and faith are often considered two sides of the same coin. You cannot place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour without first changing your mind about your sin and about who Jesus is and what He has done.
Have you chosen Christ as your Saviour? Is there a sin in your life that you need to change your mind about and turn away from?
Lord, help me turn to you with a genuine heart of repentance, I pray.
Extended Reading — Jeremiah 14-17
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“I agree with your points, very insightful!”