Jeremiah 10

This chapter concludes Jeremiah’s second sermon, preached in the gate of the temple (7:2).  It has addressed the hypocritical religion of the people and leaders of Judah.  It is fitting that it should conclude today’s reading that has such a strong message against idolatry.

In the case of Israel (Judah) idolatry is properly called “the way of the Gentiles” (v2).  Israel had one God, and they were commanded to worship Him only (Ex. 20:3).  They were to love Him with all they were and had (Deut. 6:5).  But for some time now the LORD’s people had played the harlot spiritually, bowing the knee to these lifeless deities.  If we can use the term in a proper way, God points out the stupidity of all this.  It makes no sense to worship something of your own creation (v3-5) that cannot hear or speak (v8-9).  But even more, it makes no sense to forsake the great, true and living God (v6-7,10).  Anyone who would do this is dull-hearted, without knowledge (v14-15).  Again, anyone who will not seek the LORD is dull-hearted (v21).

On what basis does Jeremiah, speaking for the LORD, make this claim?  Please note that the answer is bound up in the truth that the LORD is the Creator (v11-16).  Something we create with our own hands obviously has not made me nor my surroundings (universe) (v11).  But Jeremiah clearly states that God has done this, the God of Israel.  “The Portion of Jacob is not like them, for He is the Maker of all things … The LORD of hosts is His name.” (v16)

Now consider carefully: this is what we are prone to do.  You may say that you do not make an image out of a block of wood and worship that as god.  But we would maintain that, if we do not bow before that true and living God, we do in fact worship something we have made ourselves.  Consider the “gods” mentioned in the previous chapter (9:23): wisdom, might and riches.  Are these not things in which we glory?  Are they not or our own making?  We trust in these with the thought that they will be a satisfactory portion for us in our lives.  That, friend, is idolatry.  It is a rejection of your Creator, the One who actually did make you, in His image.  He alone has a right to your worship.

Have you become dull-hearted?  May I encourage you to consider the prayer in v24: “O LORD, correct me, but with justice; not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing.”  Ask your Creator to correct you and bring you to know Him.  Remember, He is a God of lovingkindness as well as judgment (9:24).  Make Him your Portion today.