One Too Many

08.14.12

Jeremiah 16.2 2 “You shall not take a wife for yourself nor have sons or daughters in this place.” NASB

The more I read the Old Testament the more I have the feeling that we’ve somehow over the centuries really misunderstood the love, the compassion, and the passion God has for His people. This feeling comes through to me in the writings of the prophets, especially Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Isaiah and Jeremiah were pre-exilic, whereas Ezekiel was intra-exilic and Daniel was the precursor to the post-exilic peoples.

Isaiah had a wife and she bore him children during his ministry. Ezekiel’s wife died during the exile. No mention is made as to whether Daniel had a wife or children so we can assume either he did and it isn’t mentioned, or he didn’t and it isn’t mentioned. Jeremiah on the other hand was commanded, “You shall not take a wife for yourself nor have sons or daughters in this place.” In verses 5 and 8 of this chapter Jeremiah is also told: and no funerals, and no feasts.

It seems to me that to understand the Old Testament we need to understand the relationship between God and the people of Israel: it seemed like a marriage (of sorts). God of course is the Groom and His people are the Bride. This isn’t to diminish the Kingship of God, or the Lordship of the Lord (YHWH). But the relationship between the two seems to be more that of a marriage than King and subjects. And the language the Lord seems to use to express His heart is more of that of a husband to a wife than a King to His people. And so when God commanded Jeremiah not to take a wife it seems to fit that God was divorcing His people (at least temporarily) until they got the message.

God loves and is compassionate for His people. He is jealous for them – He don’t put up with no competition. And He gets downright fuming over those who would deceive His own and cause them to stumble. Jesus shared that same compassion. God is passionate over His people as well. To relate to Him rightly is a place where few humans have ever gone and the passion He has for us is without measure and certainly beyond description. So it is no wonder God was so upset over the choices of His people and their incessant adultery with other gods. What husband isn’t wounded over the rejection of his wife?

Listen, there are two things a married man wants from his wife: acceptance and admiration. And the acceptance part is huge. He wants to know that he is the only one who will ever suitably meet his wife’s needs. Not perfectly, but suitably. She’s reasonably happy with him and relatively satisfied with him. Could not God ask the same of His bride? They say a woman scorned is hard to live with (hell hath no fury like…). A man scorned is no picnic either. God scorned is death.

The people of Jeremiah’s time had slept with one too many gods. And God had been scorned one too many times. So God told Jeremiah: don’t get too comfortable, complacent, or cozy My friend, I’m about to obliterate this crowd, so no marriage, no funerals, and no parties. I’m serious about My love for them and they’re just about to find out how serious I am.

Father, may I be more aware of Your love, compassion and passion in my life and may I be concerne about the things of which You are concerned – in Jesus’ Name. Amen.