Give Glory To The Lord Your God…
Jeremiah 13:16 …before it is too late! The prophet’s words still ring true 2,600 years after they were written.
“Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the darkening mountains. For then, when you look for light, you will find only terrible darkness and gloom.”
Jeremiah 13:16 NLT
The prophet Jeremiah (650 - 570 BC) not only wrote his own book of prophecy, but is also believed to have authored the Books of Lamentations and Kings. It’s not surprising, then, that the prophet is also quoted frequently (forty times!) in the New Testament, specifically in Revelation 18 (in relation to the destruction of Babylon), in Matthew’s Gospel, and in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Jeremiah’s work is still read as part of the Jewish haftara in synagogues.
Of all the major prophets, Jeremiah appears to have been one of God’s favored messengers. In Jeremiah 13, the prophet teaches how to respond to God’s warnings, beginning with instruction to be humble and give glory to God.
Jeremiah knew the judgement of Judah was coming soon, and in today’s verse he is trying to instill a sense of urgency in the people. If they continued to reject God before the darkness of the Babylonian exile, they would be like hikers stumbling on dangerous mountain paths as evening falls…
How could the people of Judah give glory to God? Jeremiah knew that they must humble themselves, confess their sin, and most of all reject the pagan idols they were worshiping. The latter practice was especially bad, as it was robbing God of His glory.
The words of Jeremiah still ring true today. Judgement is coming and it may not be very far away. It is up to us to give glory to God before it is too late, and to help as many people as possible to do the same before the darkness falls and they’re caught on that dangerous mountain path…
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the prophecies of Jeremiah, which have the same meaning to those who believe in You today as they did when You spoke the words to the prophet many years ago. I offer my praise to You for Your goodness to all people, especially in the way that You offer eternal salvation to all who believe in Your Son. I pray that You continue to protect Your people in these turbulent times. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.