Got Fruit ?

The real purpose of our existence is not to make a living, but to make a life - a worthy, well-rounded, useful life.
`Unknown

I pick up from yesterday’s post with a final idea or two from Jeremiah 5. The thought here is additional information concerning Israel’s spiritual condition becoming affected by it’ selfish pursuit of economic/financial gain and a tie in to the idea behind 1st Timothy 6:6.

Jeremiah 5:26-27 reads..

Jeremiah 5:26-27
26 “Among my people are wicked men
who lie in wait like men who snare birds
and like those who set traps to catch men.

27 Like cages full of birds,
their houses are full of deceit;
they have become rich and powerful

I have a vision of snake oil salesmen or the hosts of late night infomercials after reading those verses. Yet, has God said that to be rich or powerful is a sin; or to even desire financial success? I think not, though His word surely warns of the spiritual difficulties that can occur when one is materially wealthy but spiritually impoverished.

As I understand it God is specifically addressing the corruption practiced by spiritual leaders within the nation of Israel, a point made back in verse 5, expanded upon in verse 26-27 and the fullness of the sinfulness summed up and judged in verses 30-31. The quick explanation is greed that led to godlessness, which allowed sin to further permeate their lives, which then declined to a state of total wickedness in the eyes of the Lord.

Jeremiah 5:5,30-31
5 So I will go to the leaders
and speak to them;
surely they know the way of the LORD,
the requirements of their God.”
But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke
and torn off the bonds.

30 “A horrible and shocking thing
has happened in the land:

31 The prophets prophesy lies,
the priests rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way.
But what will you do in the end? (see v.27)

Certainly a lot to consider, to meditate on, and to remember, which was maybe where Israel initially failed and thus fell. Israel had forgotten the “little” but just as critical things in their relationship with God. A final verse that stands out concerning this thought as well as the economic implications associated with Israel and 1st Timothy 6:6 comes from verse 24. God has spoken on Israel’s rebellion, and again He points out some simple truths to how they faltered, forgetting God’s provisions instead opting for their own plan of action.

Jeremiah 5:24
24 They do not say to themselves,
‘Let us fear the LORD our God,
who gives autumn and spring rains in season,
who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’

Grace and peace be with you.