A Getaway

Jeremiah 9:2

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Sometime we all would just like to get away from things.

Jeremiah had three reasons to long for a place away:

Because of the sin of the people

• • Which is the reason here stated. The people were so filled with sin that it was a burden to be among them. Who among us hasn't wished for a way to be free of careless and wicked people? Those we work with
• • Those we have as neighbors
• • Those we share the bond of country with

Truth is God places us among them that we may be a light for them.

Because of the grief they would bear

Jeremiah the prophet had foreseen the destruction that was coming. Their sins would not long be overlooked. Judgment was in its way. He could wish to be spared the sight of their heartache and suffering

But God places us in the midst of that too. We are where we are that we might bring hope, help and comfort.

Because of his weariness in the work

Jeremiah admits that he gave up the work at one point. It seemed fruitless and vain to keep preaching to such a stiffnecked people. But then he grew weary of fore bearing.

God's work is not always as productive looking as it in fact is. We labor for a fruit we know not of. The reward of the harvest is not earthly but eternal.

Jeremiah wished for a way to get away but alas, he did not do it. He continued on. And so must we.