Jeremiah 44

Bible Passage:  Jeremiah 44

“I’m not happy because you’re not listening,” I growled at some of my students at least ten times today. Children always seem to have their way until they cross the line—the line between doing the right thing and doing the wrong thing. Likewise, the children of Israel had disobeyed God by worshipping idols and offering to idols. God was angry.

“Oh, do not do this abomination I hate!”

God continuously reminded them. He persistently sent prophets to deliver His message to the people to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other Gods. When I see my students hurt their friends or snatch a toy for themselves, I immediately tell them I am not happy and that they should be doing the right thing. If they continuously repeat the misbehavior, further action is taken.

“Why…?”

God questioned the people’s actions. Why bring this trouble upon themselves? Why make God angry? Have they not learnt from the mistakes of their fathers? When I ask the children why they misbehave, I don’t always expect an answer but I imagine God wanted the people to reflect upon their actions.

“…I [the Lord] will punish you…”

Consequences must be followed through or else children will not take you seriously. God is full of love and compassion but He is also righteous and just, and so He will punish us if we disobey His commandments. Ultimately, He is teaching us to be good children.

May we remember to keep His commandments and continue to obey His words.