There are many things that people are afraid of. Common fears that people have include spiders, snakes, clowns, large crowds, small spaces, storms, among several others. However, the greatest fear that mankind should have is the fear of being separated from God. For believers in Christ, we do not have to fear separation from God for eternity. We do not have to fear the prospect of hell. We have been reconciled to God and we have a home in Heaven guaranteed for us. However, there is a fear among believers that we could be separated from God in the sense that His hand of favor is removed from us. There is the possibility of living in such a way that God removes His presence from us. To live in such a state is very dangerous. There are many Christians that do not live in the presence of God. There are many churches that do not live in the presence of God. Many believers and many churches has been rejected by God because of unconfessed sin.

                In our study of the book of Jeremiah, we find 10 sermons that Jeremiah preaches to the people of Judah. The first message is found in Jeremiah 2:1-3:5 where Israel is accused of breaking the covenant with God by trusting in idols. In Jeremiah 3:6-6:30 we see the second message where we learn that Judah will be judged due to their refusal to repent and follow the Lord. In Jeremiah 6:22-30, we see the conclusion of that second message. As we consider the conclusion of Jeremiah’s second message, there are several things we see concerning the people of Judah.

The Plight of the people. Jeremiah once again points out that another country will invade Judah from the north whose ultimate goal is to attack Jerusalem. The invading army will show no mercy. This is the future that the people of Judah are facing.

The Distress of the people. With the army invading from the north and their impending doom, we see the people of Judah in great distress. The people become very fearful of what is to come. They dress in sackcloth. A sackcloth is a dark and rough cloth that was usually worn during times of mourning. It is a symbol of great sadness. They also roll about in ashes. This also is a sign of mourning and lamentation. The people are overcome with great sorrow as they face judgement. They also mourn. This mourning of the impending invasion is similar to one losing their only son. The people also lament. To lament is another way to express sadness and sorrow. It also gives the idea of regret. It is to be sorrowful to the point of regretting the experience that has caused the sorrow. The people of Judah are certainly filled with great distress over the judgement they are facing.

The suddenness of judgement on the people. In verse 26, it mentions that the “plunderer will suddenly come upon us.” The cause of bad things may build over time. However, when the actual bad thing happens, it comes suddenly. It comes when you least expect it. It comes when you are caught off guard.

The examination of the people. The people of Judah that are facing judgement are described in several ways. First, they are stubborn. The people stubbornly continue their pursuit of idols and rebellion against God. Even though they know that judgement is coming, they still refuse to repent. How often do we do the same thing? We know that we have done wrong, but even with looming consequences, we are stubborn and continue to go our own way. The people are also slanderers. In verse 28 we find the people “walking as slanderers”. Not only are they stubborn in their own ways, but they also turn against each other. There seems to be a common human frailty that when found in the thick of battle or when attacks come against us, we tend to turn on one another. Instead of focusing on the real enemy, we turn against each other. The people are also full of corruption. The people will lie and cheat. They deceive others. Corruption is prevalent in their society as they cast blame on each other. Their work is also in vain. The things they do are meaningless and useless. When we live in rebellion and continue in unrepentant sin, we find that all we do has no effect on anything. All we do is vain when there is sin in the camp. As the people are examined it is also discovered that they have allowed evil people among them. They have let their guard down and have allowed evil people to come in and corrupt their ways. They have succumbed to false teaching and evil practices.

As a result of their great sin, they have been rejected by God. This is the greatest fear known to man. To be rejected by God. What a horrible state to find yourself in! Imagine. Rejected by God! My prayer is that I would repent of my sin and that God would remove my stubborn pride, lest I am rejected by Him. May our greatest fear never be realized as we choose obedience over disobedience.