A Message of Hope to Wayward Children
The diligent study of the sacred Scriptures played a pivotal role in shaping the faith and convictions of the earliest Christian believers. When we think of those early Christians, such as Timothy, who "from childhood, you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15 ESV), it's essential to recognize that the "Scriptures" they studied were primarily the “Old Testament” writings. In these texts, they found a treasure trove of divine wisdom, prophecies, and moral guidance that laid the foundation for their faith in Christ. As we open the pages of the Old Testament, we continue absorbing timeless truths these Scriptures hold, and uncover their enduring relevance for both Israel, the root of the olive tree, and the body of Christ—even including the grafted-in wild olive branches. Today we will uncover a message within the Book of Jeremiah, particularly chapters 2 and 3, which imparts profound direction to “wayward” children of the Lord, and those seeking to deepen their understanding of God's Word and perfect their union with Him in holiness.
The Book of Jeremiah contains a powerful message of hope, redemption, and reconciliation for Christians (i.e. “children of God”) who have strayed from the path of righteousness. These individuals, often referred to contemporarily as "backslidden" Christians, are the focus of Jeremiah 2 and 3. In these chapters, God's message is clear: He is merciful, longing for the return of His children who have wandered away, and He yearns for their sincere repentance and complete surrender to Him.
The Backslidden “Christian”
A backslidden Christian is one who has professed faith in Christ but, over time, has drifted away from a life of devotion and obedience to Him. This spiritual decline can manifest in various ways, from a guilty conscience stemming from unconfessed sins to active participation in sinful behaviors or even a lukewarm approach to their faith, attempting to incorporate Christ into their lives rather than surrendering fully to Him.
Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV) presents a vivid picture of this spiritual condition: "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water." In this verse, the Lord illustrates how many Christians, despite having once known the refreshing and life-giving fellowship with Him, have turned to broken cisterns, symbolizing worldly pursuits and sinful habits, in a futile attempt to satisfy their souls.
In Jeremiah 2:27-28 (ESV), it is written: "saying to a tree, 'You are my father,' and to a stone, 'You gave me birth.' For they have turned their back to me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble, they say, 'Arise and save us!' But where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them arise if they can save you, in your time of trouble."
Here, the Israelites are depicted as turning to idolatry, worshiping trees and stones as if they were their fathers and creators. They abandoned the worship of the one true God in favor of false gods and idols.
Modern-Day Idols
While in the West we may not worship trees or stones outright, there are many other forms of “trees and stones” that serve as idols in the hearts of men.
Materialism: The pursuit of wealth, possessions, and consumerism can become a contemporary form of idolatry. When people prioritize material success and possessions above all else, it can lead them away from a deep dependance on God.
Social Media and Fame: The quest for social media likes, followers, and online popularity can become a modern-day idol. Excessive time and attention given to maintaining one's online persona can detract from genuine human connections and time devoted to the Lord.
Personal Ambition: Ambition and career success can easily turn into idols when they consume one's life to the detriment of faith and moral values.
Technology and Entertainment: The constant use of smartphones, streaming services, and video games can become idols when they take precedence over time spent in prayer, worship, and meaningful human interaction, which are opportunities to serve the Lord.
Political Ideology: Extreme political partisanship, where one's political beliefs become an all-consuming identity, can lead to idolizing a particular ideology over the values and principles of our faith in Jesus and our citizenship of Heaven, and the New Jerusalem to come.
Self-Centeredness: A focus on self-gratification, self-promotion, and self-fulfillment can lead to the idolization of one's own desires and ego, potentially pushing aside servitude and devotion to God’s will for one’s life.
Jeremiah 2:17-19 (ESV) states: "Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the Lord your God, when he led you in the way? And now what do you gain by going to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? Or what do you gain by going to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates? Your evil will chastise you, and your apostasy will reprove you. Know and see that it is evil and bitter for you to forsake the Lord your God; the fear of me is not in you, declares the Lord God of hosts."
This passage reveals that the Israelites rejected God's guidance and protection, seeking help and sustenance from other nations (Egypt and Assyria) instead of relying on Him.
The references to Egypt and Assyria in Jeremiah 2 symbolize the allure of the worldly systems and human wisdom that often replace reliance on God's supernatural provision. Just as ancient Israel turned to these nations for physical sustenance and security, backslidden Christians today quickly turn to worldly sources for their needs.
In our modern context, this may manifest as placing excessive trust in doctors and psychologists for physical and mental health, relying solely on the expertise that comes from man’s wisdom rather than seeking God's infinitely superior guidance and solution: Jesus. It can also be seen in the pursuit of materialism, where the accumulation of wealth and possessions becomes the primary source of security and satisfaction, overshadowing faith in God's provision, and the eternal wealth we have already attained as His heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17, Philippians 4:19).
The pursuit of worldly wisdom, secular ideologies, and self-help solutions leads Christians away from God’s infinite wisdom, much like ancient Israel turning to Egypt and Assyria. True fulfillment and ultimate provision come from a deep connection with the Lord and a true understanding of His Word (as imparted by the Holy Spirit). Balancing the practical aspects of life with faith in God's supernatural provision poses a challenge to unsurrendered believers in a secular or pagan world.
In Jeremiah 2:20-23 (ESV), it says: "For long ago I broke your yoke and burst your bonds; but you said, 'I will not serve.' Yes, on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down like a whore. Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine, though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord God."
This passage portrays God’s children engaging in spiritual adultery, forsaking their covenant with God and engaging in idolatrous worship practices on high hills and under green trees.
When the Lord says, “the stain of your guilt is still before Me” He is saying that there is still a need for repentance from guilt. Only after repentance does the Lord “blot out sins” and “remember them no more” (Isaiah 43:25). He is speaking to those whom He has set free, for “long ago I broke your yoke and burst your bonds”. Remember what the Lord has DONE for us! It is finished! Turn from faithlessness and unbelief and He will enable us to stand, upholding us with His right hand.
The Call to Repentance
Even in the midst of waywardness, God's mercy and love shine through. Jeremiah 3:12-14 (ESV) beautifully conveys this message of reconciliation: "Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the Lord your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the Lord. Return, O faithless children, declares the Lord; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion."
God calls upon the “backslidden” Christian to return, to acknowledge their guilt and rebellion, and to seek His forgiveness and grace. This message is not one of condemnation but of hope, emphasizing the enduring mercy of the Lord. It highlights His desire for restoration and reconciliation, even when His children have strayed far from Him. Repent from faithlessness, unbelief, and dead works, and believe His Word is true.
Surrender and Transformation
Jeremiah 3:15 (ESV) offers a profound promise to those who respond to God's call to repentance: "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." This verse underscores the transformative power of genuine repentance and surrender to Jesus. When individuals turn away from their sins and make Jesus their Lord, committing to a life of obedience and devotion, God provides spiritual leaders who will guide them on the path of righteousness.
These shepherds "after God's own heart" represent pastors and leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith, leading by example and helping fellow believers grow in knowledge and understanding of God's Word. They play a crucial role in nurturing and strengthening the faith of those who have returned to the fold.
Conclusion
Jeremiah 2 and 3 offer a profound message of redemption and hope for backslidden Christians. God's heart is filled with mercy and compassion, and He longs for His wayward children to return to Him, confess their sins, and surrender their lives fully to Jesus. After genuine repentance, these individuals will experience transformation and restoration, and God promises to provide shepherds who will guide them in the Way.
Ultimately, Jeremiah's message reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, God's love and grace are available now to bring us back into His loving embrace. It is a call to every wayward child of God to return, repent, and experience the abundant life that comes from surrendering fully to the Lord.