It is easy for us to miss how revolutionary Jeremiah’s critique of pagan idolatry was (and that of the other Biblical prophets) in its time. Everyone in the ancient world took it for granted that there were many gods and that these gods could be embodied in some sense in physical casts and carvings of metal, wood and stone. No one ever challenged this belief; no one would have even thought of challenging this belief. One nation never claimed that another nation’s gods were a pure delusion. They only ever claimed that their gods were greater than those of the conquered people. Then along came Moses and the other Biblical prophets declaring that these gods were deceptive illusions. They weren’t just saying that Yahweh is greater than all the other gods. They were saying that Yahweh is the only true God. Nothing like this had ever been heard before. It is not an idea that could have evolved in the intellectual environment of the ancient world. It came in vertically by revelation from God. Lies only give rise to more lies. Jeremiah tells his people here that God would show Israel, whether in judgement or salvation, that he alone was the one true God. One way or another they would find out. And one way or another everyone will find out whether Yahweh is the true God. If you are willing you can find God now through Jesus Christ. You cannot grasp him, but he can grasp you if you are willing to surrender your life to him.
Ask God to reveal himself to you more.
Read Jeremiah 10
