A Word to the Wise

Jer. 9: 12, 13 Who is the wise man who may understand this?... Why does the land perish and burn up like a wilderness...? Because they have forsaken my law...and have not obeyed my voice...

Every conscious, positive-minded person in our country today is concerned about what is happening to our land. Crime, violence, dishonesty, immorality – just plain lawlessness can be seen everywhere. There are many people who spend a lot of time describing what is happening and giving their own opinions as to the causes. Some commentators and supposed intellectuals spend their time prescribing political, economic and social cures for the nation. Obviously, they are not working.

When we read in the Old Testament, we see that Israel had so many problems that are similar to those we are facing in Jamaica today. They too could not understand their problems, why they were happening and how to deal with them. Through Jeremiah, God told Israel that those who were wise would be able to understand. Do we have wise persons in Jamaica today? What should they understand?

God told Israel that they had problems because they had forsaken His laws and refused to listen to His voice or follow His instructions. It is ironic - isn’t it? – that in a country where one of our basic problems is lawlessness our leaders – even church leaders – teach people that the laws of God do not need to be obeyed! The Ten Commandments, God’s universal law to all men, is disrespected and persons who insist on obeying them are ridiculed; then these same leaders are upset that people don’t respect the laws of the country.

But God also says, “They have not obeyed My voice”. Could that be because we are not even hearing His voice? Sometimes God speaks loudly in hurricanes, earthquakes and serious disasters; but at most times He speaks in a still small voice. We need to stop, take time out and listen to God’s voice. If we don’t take time for God, to focus on Him and let Him speak quietly into our minds, we will not hear Him, therefore will not obey Him and will continue to bring disaster to our land. In the end, the only way He can communicate with us is through our minds. Let us set our minds to seek the Lord.

Dear Lord, please remind us ever so often to take time out for You and to listen to Your voice; then give us the will to obey, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.