This word is given to Jeremiah during the days of Josiah,
Have you seen what faithless Israel did? She went up on every high hill and under every green tree, and she was a harlot there. I thought, "After she has done all these things she will return to Me," but she did not return, and her treacherous sister Judah saw it. And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a writ of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear; but she went and was a harlot also. (Jeremiah 3:6-8, NASB)That is a commentary on the way of the flesh; even religious and dignified flesh. The flesh, along with the carnal mind, is not subject to the law of God and it CANNOT be subject to the law of God (Rom 8:7). The flesh cannot reason out of it's condition. It is a slave to the law of sin and will always follows it's course until it is subdued by the Spirit of God. But alas, unregenerate Judah was unable to mend her ways. The Lord continues,
"Yet in spite of all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but rather in deception" (Jeremiah 3:10)God is not interested in pretense, form or heartless religion. He is not impressed with a people to continually offer sacrifices according to the law but fail to act in accord with His person. To such a people He pleads, "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might NOT uselessly kindle fire on My altar!" (Malachi 1:10). To them He says,
"Bring your worthless offerings no longer, incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and Sabbath, the calling of assemblies - I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly" (Isaiah 1:13)"Going through the motions" of religion, even God ordained religious practices, is detestable to God. He is aiming for the heart. His indictment toward Judah was not that they didn't keep the temple sacrifices it was that they didn't return to Him with all their heart. They kept the temple sacrifices and also participated in heathen practices. [This is all too contemporary, isn't it!]
Judah watched what happened to Israel and then followed the same pattern of behavior, resulting in the same judgment. Nevertheless, God stretched forth His hand and called to them to repent saying,
"Return, faithless Israel...I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious...I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God and have scattered you favors to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed My voice...return, O faithless sons...for I am master to you, and I will take you one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:12-15)What tender and everlasting mercy is with the Lord our God! His patience is unparalleled and His love endures forever. The problem with men is pride (among other things). Their unbelief, ignorance and stubbornness prevents them from turning from their ways, acknowledging their sin and experiencing the love of the Savior. They say, "we will not have this man to reign over us" (Lk 19:14, KJV), thought He is a good Master.
So here is the message: Turn to the Lord with ALL your heart. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him (Prov 3:6). Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you in due time (1 Pet 5:6). Cleave unto the Lord with purpose of heart (Acts 11:23). Rid your life of all pretense; all fake and deceptive religion. Throw off the traditions of men and draw near to God with a true heart (Heb 10:22). "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Tim 2:22). If you examine yourself and find sin, repent.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19)
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