By Pastor Bob Lawrenz
We learn growing up about friendships. In our youth it happens without noticing, and in our adult years, it’s often more deliberate. We meet someone and enjoy their company. We learn of common interests, and find ourselves spending a little extra time with that other person. Ideas are exchanged, and experiences shared. A friend can become a close friend, and then even distance cannot divide the friendship. A distant friend may come to visit, and all the time of separation disappears.
But if there’s a rift between friends, there’s also a tearing of the fabric of the friendship. Then the friendship is in danger of being lost unless reparations are made and the disagreement is resolved. Frankly, the same is true in our relationship with God, and His Son Jesus the Christ. With Him, it’s His love that is the fabric of the relationship, and that’s not something to take for granted.
Today in Jeremiah 6, we learn more of God’s Holy land, His Holy City, His Chosen People, and the Chosen Tribe of Judah living in that Holy City. They have corrupted themselves, and departed from God’s Holy Ordinances and His Word. And there’s the rift in a relationship with the Lord. God’s Chosen have done what Cain did in Genesis 4. Judah lived the way they wanted to live, not even perceiving to Whom it was that they were turning their backs. Genesis 4:16 says, “Cain went out from the presence of the Lord...” Deliberately !
We’ve heard of this before; a Christian friend may say they don’t feel close to the Lord any more. Well? Guess who moved in the relationship? God is not given to change. It is their own declaration that exposes their turn from our Lord. The loss of His favor is felt lightly at first, but it will increase and increase until our hearts are humbled and our repentance flows freely.
Check in with Jesus regularly. Keep the friendship open and above boards. Allow yourself to be “transparent” (modern lingo) with the Lord. Ask Him to examine your heart and “see if there be any wicked way in (yourself.)” And then listen for His response.
“Search me O God, and know my heart:
try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any
wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any
wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23, 24
