Jeremiah 2:5 This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me, and followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves?” (BSB)
An aphorism by Ben Franklin came to mind as I read the various translations of this verse: “He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.” You become like those you spend time with. That was God’s point in this section that He spoke through Jeremiah. The Israelites were becoming like their captors, worshiping their gods, turning their backs on the One True God.
Jeremiah 2:5 Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? (KJV)
And the danger is not just in who you spend your time with but also in what you spend your time doing. Worthlessness, vanity, idolatry, and emptiness are not just dangers faced by the Israelites from long ago. They are still real and present dangers if we don’t keep ourselves focused on God.
Jeremiah 2:5 Thus says the LORD: “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, That they have gone far from Me, Have followed idols, And have become idolaters?” (NKJV)
Lord, Help me to be ever mindful of the fact that I become like those I spend time with and I become like what I spend time doing. Help me to spend my time with You, focused on You, trying to build Your kingdom on earth, shining Your light, glorifying Your name. Draw me closer. Remake me in Your image so that when others look at me, they see You, my Father. Amen.
Jeremiah 2:5 This is what the LORD says: “What injustice did your fathers find in Me, That they went far from Me, And walked after emptiness and became empty?” (NASB)
Have a blessed day.