“Your own conduct and actions have brought this on you. This is your punishment. How bitter it is! How it pierces to the heart!” Jeremiah 4:18
God begins to describe the destruction that was going to come upon the land. He would completely ruin the land and bring a great disaster upon the people. Not all of the people would be destroyed, but there would be a great number of them destroyed. The anguish of pain and suffering would be very great.
As this was happening, many people would be crying out as to why it was occurring. The nation of Israel always saw themselves as God’s special nation. They were supposed to be His people with great abundance and blessing, yet, all they were seeing was disaster and suffering.
In this verse God points out that all of the disaster that was occurring was because of their conduct and actions. It would be bitter and pierce the heart. It pierced God’s heart because He loved the people and did not want to have to punish them, but His holiness and their conduct required it.
Those living in America have often believed that this country was blessed by God. Although there was always sin in the nation, it has not always been so open and accepted. In recent years, the problems of crime, violence, hatred, and uprisings has increased dramatically. Greater disasters arise on a regular basis.
All of these things may be forms of punishment that God is bringing upon the nation because of the actions of the people.
Not every person is guilty of wrong actions, but most are. How many people are truly living their lives for God? Are sold out to God? Are willing to give their lives to be a witness of the gospel message of Jesus to this world?
You may be one of those truly sold out to God. Take a look at your own life and see what your conduct and actions show.
How often are you telling someone about Jesus?
How often do you allow yourself to do something you know is sinful?
How often do you show God’s love over hatred for others?
These are just a few ways to see what your conduct is like. If you are not actively building God’s kingdom, your conduct will be bringing on disaster to this nation, or whatever nation you live in.
How is your conduct today?
I pray today that you will be actively building God’s kingdom; that your conduct will match that of Jesus; that your life will mirror the life of Jesus; and that you will not be guilty of wrong conduct.
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