You have an Insensitive Heart & You have a Pagan Heart

Scripture: Jeremiah 8:5

Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.”

Insights:  As we continue looking at the ten evidences of a backslidden heart from Jeremiah chapters two and three, we move on to the third and fourth evidence.  Evidence number three is you have an insensitive heart and the scriptural location for this particular evidence is verse eight.  It states, “"The priests did not say, 'Where is the LORD?' And those who handle the law did not know Me; The rulers also transgressed against Me, And the prophets prophesied by Baal And walked after things that did not profit.”  You have a progressively top down rebellion against God taking place in this verse.  It starts with the priests, moves to the leaders, quickly is followed by the prophets and finally the people themselves are transgressing against God.  This iniquity all began when the spiritual leaders engaged in activities totally devoid of spiritual benefit.  As a result they did not even recognize that God’s Spirit had departed from them.  Their hearts had grown so cold toward God that they were unaware that He was no longer listening to them.  Beloved, this is a very sad indictment against the people of Judah.  The fourth evidence is you have a pagan heart and is found in verses eleven and twelve.  They state, “"Has a nation changed gods When they were not gods? But My people have changed their glory For that which does not profit.  "Be appalled, O heavens, at this, And shudder, be very desolate," declares the LORD.”  Even though they had grown insensitive to the things of God, they knew down deep they were designed for worship.  Instead, however, of turning to God, they turned to their own heart’s desire for a, lower case “g”, god to serve. Later in the week we will discuss the types of little “g” gods we place in front of the Lord, but as for now it is sufficient to understand that when we are in a backslidden state when we are worshipping something other than God.  Beloved, it is far better to worship the one true God whom you were designed to worship than chase after the gods of this world.  They will disappoint you every time.  Seek after the Lord while He may be found and give Him your heart. 

Questions:

1. Have you lost the sensitivity to know when the Lord is speaking to you?
2. Have you begun to worship other people and things in place of the Lord God?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for when I have become so consumed with myself that I have lost the sensitivity to hear Your voice.  Spare me from the punishment associated with service to pagan gods because my heart so often leaves You my first love to chase after the gods of this world that do not last.  Transform my heart to be wholly Yours.  Amen.