Friday 12 March 2021

Psalm 104:24-35

Background

Jeremiah is asserting here that the offering of sacrifices was not one of the requirements that God set out through Moses. Instead the people need to hear and obey the voice of God.

Verse 24 explains why this is not happening. Firstly, the people are stubborn and "walk in their own counsels". I recognise these faults in myself! I am very stubborn and independent and find it difficult to ask for help. Secondly, the people look backwards and not forwards. This is not a problem for me. I’m good at both reflecting on the past and dreaming about the future. My struggle is to live in the present. The pandemic has helped me to live one day at a time and is also forcing us to look forwards, and not backwards. We can’t assume that we will just return to what was. We can no longer say: “Well, we’ve always done it like that!” We need to look to a new future.

The term “stiffening their necks” (v. 26) was originally used to describe an ox who refused to respond when the farmer touched his neck with a goad to make him go faster or change direction. Jeremiah is just one of a whole succession of prophets whom God has sent to speak to the people. The message had been constantly repeated but is still not getting through. It must have been very disheartening for Jeremiah to be told that his words would have no effect (v. 27).

To Ponder:

• What can you hear God saying as you look beyond the pandemic?
• When have you 'stiffened your neck'?
• What prophetic messages are being repeatedly ignored today? 

Prayer

Persistent God, make us attentive to your touch and your call. Give us the strength and courage to keep on proclaiming your message, even when no-one is listening. Amen.        

Note from Word in Time

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