Now comes the criticism of Judah. Note the style. Expository
preaching is good, but it is not the only way to preach. There is poetry and
emotion in this.
First God recalls the time in the wilderness. This is
presented as a time when Israel was faithful to the Lord. Now we need to
remember that Israel complained her way across the desert. Even so, she looked
to the Lord for help. See that she was the "firstfruits", it has
always been God's plan that salvation should come to all nations.
Then Israel went after worthless things. Romans 1 says a
similar thing. They did not think about how they had got to where they were.
They forgot the salvation from slavery. When we struggle it is good to remember
what God has done in our life. He brings through difficult times to good times.
But then Judah defiled the land by worshipping idols. Instead of seeking the
Lord they turned to worthless idols. We should realise how much it means to the
Lord when we call upon Him in the midst of trouble.
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