God asks rhetorical questions to his people so they would realize the foolishness of their unrepentant hearts. They were like ones who made a wrong turn and refused to return to the right path. They clung to deceit and acted as if nothing was wrong (4-6). They wanted to think they were wise with the law of the Lord, yet they refused to live by it and ended up being more foolish than the beasts who knew the seasons and their place (7,8). As a result, they would understand that their seasons of blessings are gone only when it is too late (20).

Jeremiah was grieved to see their deceitfulness and insincerity, knowing the judgment coming their way (21,22). In chapter 9, he further expresses his distress and sorrow. He was so disappointed in them and wanted to drive them away (2), yet he shed a fountain of tears for the suffering they would go through (1). Jeremiah's shepherd's heart represents that of our Father God. As a loving Father, his heart is grieved to see his children stubbornly insist on living the way of sin and deception that would lead them to destruction. Have you stepped away from the right path? Would you get up and turn to the right path accepting the Father's word today?


Application: Father, thank you for giving me the desire to live by your word. Please help me not to cling to my idea and humbly accept your correction.
One Word: Come out of deception.