Do not fear me, says the LORD (Jeremiah 5:22)
Why does an inmate escape from prison exactly one day before his release? This is the surprise expressed by a spokesman for the Rhode Island prison when answering reporters' questions. He said, "In my entire life, I will never understand what made him run away when he only had one more day in his captivity."
Moreover, once caught, the inmate is faced with charges that could see him re-arrested for another 20 years. Perhaps most of us also question the shallowness of this prisoner's mind.
But before reproaching him further we must also realize that we too often cannot see our sins clearly. We must realize that we too often neglect to seek pleasure that can only be enjoyed for a moment, but causes eternal regret.
Jeremiah shows how futile such an action is. In chapter 5 of his prophecy, he warns that we must honor God's power (verse 22), and that short-term pleasures will bring long-term losses (verses 28,29). Sin begins when a person deceives himself and is reluctant to consider the consequences (verse 31). Father, forgive us for being so stubborn and blind.
Thank you for your forgiveness. We realize that without Jesus we have no hope.
Help us not to think shallowly, and so as not to do things that harm ourselves today, as well as tomorrow --MRD II
It's a sin to only see the bait without seeing the hook
* Take from Daily Reflections