Patience and mercy in the time of the depraved mind

Thus says the Lord,
Stand by the ways and see and ask
for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it:
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, “We will not walk in it.”(Jeremiah 6:16)

Some read chapters of Jeremiah and conclude that God is severe and punishing, a God who rarely demonstrates mercy.

But that is not at all what Jeremiah reveals about the Lord. The Book of Jeremiah demonstrates His great patience, and His unwillingness to render well deserved punishment upon His people. Through His prophet Jeremiah He warned over and over and over–not just for years, but for decades.

Has he not been patient with us? Individually, and as His Church?

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

In Jeremiah we see there did come a time when punishment was delivered, and it was a horror. Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people were carried off to Babylon.

Has America been judged? I am inclined to think so. The Lord has rendered judgment even on pagan countries (Amos 1:1-15), and we have done much to displease Him.

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, (Romans 1:28)

Yet, as things continue to fall apart, as we enter a strange, new, perilous time, our purpose is the same, because He remains the same. Today’s believers must preach/present/explain the gospel. Not just from pulpits, but to strangers on street corners, and co-workers in cubicles. While we have the freedom to do so. Not obnoxiously, or mechanically, but with love.

So that we may show the same mercy He has granted us.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)