Day 294: Jeremiah 3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3

The imagery of Jeremiah 5:4 seems strange, even crass, to us. However, the frankness of the language speaks to the dire need of repentance, revival, and restoration. Circumcision was the covenant act that spoke of Israel's total separation (cut off) from the evil practices of the nations around them...even an association that could lead to evil practices. It was also a total consecration to Yahweh (I AM, Promise-Keeper) Who IS The Covenant God. Obviously, the physical practice did not change the hearts of God's people, for they were still 'prostituting' themselves with the wicked and godless nations. They needed heart change. Paul recognizes this in his letter to the Romans: "For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God." (Romans 2:28-29, CSB). The world around us evidences the total failure of humanity to save itself. Heart change is God's specialty, on the other hand. He has given us His Holy Spirit to 'cleanse our hearts by faith' (Acts 15:9) and to empower us to live on-purpose (Acts 1:8). Live the life of a changed heart by God's grace and for His glory, and pray for changed hearts in our heart-broken world.