Jeremiah 14 and 15

When I began to read these chapters I couldn't help but feel sad for Israel. Where is the God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love? Why don't the people of Israel just listen to Jeremiah and turn back to God? After some thought, I realized that God is still slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He has continually tried to warn Israel about what would happen if they kept on worshiping idols.

At the beginning of chapter 14, we see that God has chosen to bring a drought upon Israel. Maybe their thirst will drive them to the true Water of Life? And the people seem to turn to God. But it is too little, too late. He is tired of their wandering hearts. He decides to bring on the harsh judgment. I'm not one to question God... I mean, who am I? However, it seems that even Jeremiah is questioning God. When I read chapters like these, I have to remember that God wants the best for His people. I believe that He's using these harsh punishments to bring Israel to a place where they realize their need for Him. They need to realize that God is the one true God.

At the end of chapter 15, we see that God promises to protect Jeremiah from the wicked who will attack him for the message he's bringing. We can infer from this that the people will try to hurt God's messenger instead of turning back to God. Their hearts were hard and they were not willing to listen.

How do we view God when we are disciplined? Do we still think that He is good and wants the best for us? Do we react like the Israelites- defensive and prideful? Or do we realize our need for Him?