October 6- Rejected Silver

October 6, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah 6:16-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23;
Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26

The refining fire grows hotter. But it will never purify and cleanse them 
because there is no purity in them to refine.  I will label them 'Rejected Silver.' 
 ~Jeremiah 6:29-30

Jeremiah 6:16-8:7

People are clueless.  Because of the way God handles the universe, which is in a subtle manner, people are unaware that their actions are displeasing to their Creator.  People understand that murder is wrong, but human beings are susceptible to being deceived about their own spiritual condition.  This is why Bible reading is so important.  Reading God's Word gives us a continual look at God's opinion about this world.  God is the one who defines what sin is.  God is the one who judges sin.

The story of mankind is the story of a people in rebellion against their Creator.  The nation of Israel is a group of people chosen by God for a purpose, but they are not perfect.  They are flawed.  They are set apart in Scripture for a number of purposes, but one of the less glamorous purposes is to be an example to all of mankind that God punishes sin. Jeremiah has the distinct job of confronting this group of people who have exasperated God with their behavior and attitudes.  God calls them 'Rejected Silver.'

Chapters 6 and 7 contain warnings from God that He intends to use an invading army from the north to punish Judah for her sin.  Here are some of the sins that God points out to the Jews:

• Wicked thoughts and deeds
• Exploiting foreigners, orphans and widows
• Worshiping idols
• Stealing
• Murdering
• Committing adultery
• Lying
• Baal worship
• Refusing to answer when God calls
• Fathers building sacrificial fires to false gods
• Women baking cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven
• Giving drink offerings to idol gods
• Following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts
• Building pagan shrines
• Sacrificing their sons and daughters in the fire of idols
• Running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse runs to battle

Do any of God's complaints against Judah convict your heart, also?

Colossians 2:8-23

Paul warns the Colossians to not fall prey to human philosophy.  This would have been easy to do during this time on earth during the heyday of Greek philosophy.  It is always easy to fall prey to human philosophy.  Paul argues that because Christ was God in human form, he is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.  Jesus is the one to look to for answers about everything.

Paul explains that when they believed in Christ, the Colossians (and all believers) became spiritually circumcised because their sinful nature was cut away by Christ's work on the cross.  When they were baptized, this represented them being buried and raised to new life, just as Christ was raised to new life.  The old has died and the new has been raised.

What died and was cut away?  The sin nature. God put His Spirit inside of them and now they are spiritually alive.  This is a Spirit that never dies. Our sins are cancelled because of what Christ did on the cross.  That is how we are considered new and clean.  This emasculates the evil authorities on earth.  They are unable to take the Spirit of God from us.  God has claimed us as His own.

Because of this position, believers are not to worry about being condemned about what they eat or drink.  They are not to worry about keeping special holy days or Sabbaths. Those Old Testament rules were shadows to show us Christ.  They were illustrations of what he would be and what he would fulfill.  Self-denial does not save a person.  Paul encourages the Colossians to not live their lives worrying about rules that supposedly speak of spirituality.

These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline, but they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires. This is a lesson that Martin Luther learned in his life. It led to the Protestant Reformation!

So how do we conquer evil thoughts and desires?  By meditating on what is right, good, pure, honorable, and true.  If you think this way, you will conquer evil thoughts.  This is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit in you.

Do you rely on following strict rules to try to be holy and please God?  This is not God's intention for you. He desires your reliance on the Holy Spirit to lead you to obedience in love. This promotes being loving, rather than judgmental.

Psalm 78:1-31

It is important to teach the next generation the ways of God.  His mighty acts should be passed to each new generation.

Proverbs 24:26

Being truthful with someone is an honorable thing.

What did you learn today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton