Insistent Persistence!

Being PERSISTENT is defined as "continuing despite problems, incessant or unrelenting." It is indicative of one who does not give up easily. When people are non-responsive to our words or actions (or do not respond in the manner we wish) it is easy to get discouraged and give up on them. It takes GENUINE CONCERN AND LOVE to cause one TO KEEP ON KEEPONG ON in such situations. Praise God this is characteristic of His PERSISTENCE in revealing His Will.

During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, GOD'S PERSISTENCE and the response of His people was characterized as follows:

"(25) From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I HAVE PERSISTENTLY SENT all my servants the prophets to them, DAY AFTER DAY. (26) YET THEY DID NOT LISTEN to me OR INCLINE THEIR EAR, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers." ( Jeremiah 7:25-26 ESV)

Such lack of response had been going on for quite some time. God even told Jeremiah that the people would not listen to him. ( Jeremiah 7:27) How discouraging to be sent with a message knowing beforehand it would fall on deaf ears. However, God still sent Jeremiah with His message to continue and persistently declare to the nation. This response (or lack thereof) to GOD'S PERSISTENCE in warning, speaking, and sending His messengers to which there was no response is mentioned throughout the book of Jeremiah. ( Jeremiah 7:13; 11:7; 25:3-4; 29:19; 32:33; 35:14-15; 44:4) GOD'S PERSISTENCE reflects how insistent He is on gaining a response even if it is only from a faithful few. It also illustrates how significant His Will is for mankind to understand.

Despite mankind's refusal to listen, God has continued to make Himself known through creation ( Romans 1:20), by His messengers, through His Word, and through Christ. Praise God for HIS PERSISTENCE in spite of the persistent refusal to hear. Truly we are without excuse if we do not respond. Having accepted His message as significant for our life we should strive for the SAME PERSISTENCE in sharing it with others. The day will come when God's patience will come to an end. Each new day is a sign of God's gracious patience for now and an opportunity to respond. May our life be marked by a PERSISTENT RECEPTIVENESS to what He has declared as we live it and share it each day.

Have a great day NOT GIVING UP ON THOSE AROUND US!
Carl

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