Reading from Jeremiah 29:15-23 this morning reminded me how quick we are to forget the words of God. In verses 4-14 the messager was clear; settle into your new community, participate in the economy, and seek the well being of the place you now live, for by seeking its well being you will have well being also. Oh, and don’t listen to false prophets.
No sooner than we leave verse 14 the language changes and the people have forgotten. They have turned and have said, “The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon.”
Why did they not listen? And why did they not think? Why would God raise up a prophet of faith from a non-faith background?
I imagine one reason for their closed ears and lack of thinking was fear, for when there is fear people will seek comfort in unhealthy ways. They will turn toward that which feels good in the now, and neglect how to listen for and think about truth?
Do we neglect how to listen as people in the year 2021? Have we forgotten how to listen for and think about truth? Have we forgotten to perk our ears toward the Lord? Have we forgotten to listen to God’s command to seek the well being of the community in which we live and the truth that only can come from God? Or do we look for false prophets with half closed ears searching aimlessly for the next quick fix to ease the pain?
Let us pray In the waiting and the wonder of the advent season help us to listen with outstretched ears. HHelp us to hear how to live in our communities seeking the well being of all, seeking the truth that comes from you and not the preceived truths of the world.. In Jesus name. Amen.
Concerning the picture for the day. Which set of ears represents how you listen to the Lord?
Lutheran Spice 