Jeremiah was a man of God that went through tremendous testing and trials. Known as the “weeping prophet” he had to preach to his fellow people whom God had just pronounced divorcement to. He was imprisoned, served under various kings experiencing a seesaw of political leadership; he even had one of the kings to burn his scroll. Not a piece of work done on a computer easily reprinted.
When we come to chapter 19 God tells Jeremiah to go purchase a clay pot from the local pottery shop, take it to the Valley of Slaughter Mount Zion
The Jews associated with this valley these two ideas, (1) that of the sufferings of the victims that had there been sacrificed; and (2) that of filth and corruption. It therefore became to the common mind a symbol of the abode of the wicked hereafter. The Greek word Gehenna (hell) would be the translation to that language.” [1]
Why would God ask Jeremiah to do such a thing? Because though God is entirely a God of love, He is also a God that is entirely holy. Holiness in the purity of the Creator, Almighty God means that sin will not and cannot be tolerated in any form. Therefore we can say that God is entirely a God of love and entirely a just God. The holy and just God has, can and will be angered. That is why we find Jesus as the only answer to the opportunity to be in the presence of the Almighty, Creator God. It is only by Him that we have access to ANY degree.
It is so easy to think about, talk about and take advantage of the loving God that is so real. However, it is not a popular thing to consider the holy and just God that will break the clay pots in the time of judgment. Thinking deeper, how was we made? Adam was formed from what, dirt? Clay? Wow, clay pots being crushed because of sin, new concept, I don’t think so.
Unfortunately this truth is most often followed by the spirit of rejection and denial. Humans do not want to face the holy God only the loving God but He is God both holy and loving. Now don’t get confused, God does NOT have a split personality these are the truest character traits of the Almighty God, the One who Created all, the God of the Bible.
This should not leave a bad taste in our mouths or get us in a bad mood. This should be a truth we rejoice in. Why? Glad you asked. An all Holy God is a God that can be trusted. He is a God that will make all things new, like or even better than they were before man messed them up. He is a God that will not change like the weather or a shadow; He is dependable, totally fair and righteous. You see we really need such a God, such a Father. As terrifying as it may begin in our minds we really need God to be holy and just.
In this light, the truth of the coming judgment, I challenge you in two ways. One, praise God for being totally complete, totally holy and totally loving and second allow this truth to make you a better witness to those who do not know or deny the real truth.
Father, help us to understand you more that we may praise you more and be more like your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.
[1] M.G. Easton, Easton
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