When Judah was headed for judgment, the Prophet Jeremiah carefully recorded exactly what they were doing, or not, that had brought them to such a place. See if some of the things he listed ring a bell:

  • They squandered what God had given them:

    Jeremiah 2:7 ESV

    “… you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination.”

  • They murdered their children:

    Jeremiah 2:34 TLB

    “Your clothing is stained with the blood of the innocent …”

    Jeremiah 7:31 NIV

    “They have built the high places … to burn their sons and daughters in the fire …”

  • They were skilled in evil:

    Jeremiah 4:22 NKJV

    “They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”

  • They sought out false prophets to tickle their ears:

    Jeremiah 5:31 NKJV

    “The prophets prophesy falsely … And My people love to have it so.”

  • They hated God’s truth:

    Jeremiah 6:10 NKJV

    “… the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.”

  • They were practiced liars and lovers of money:

    Jeremiah 8:10 NKJV

    “Because from the least to the greatest
    Everyone is given to covetousness; … Everyone deals falsely (lies).”

  • They followed the evil promptings of their heart over God’s counsel:

    Jeremiah 9:14 NKJV

    “… they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts …” (This was ancient relativism).

  • Finally and what sealed the deal—They refused to repent:

    Jeremiah 2:30 JUB

    “… they have received no correction; …”

    Jeremiah 15:7 NKJV

    “… they do not return from their ways.”

After 9/11, many thought America would repent. Sadly, she did not. We were quickly back to business as usual and missed the warning of God. Now, nineteen years later, in the midst of a national pandemic that has paralyzed our land, there is still no repentance. On top of that, riots and anarchy rock our cities. Yet there is still no national repentance, only finger-pointing, political posturing, and meaningless slogans.

In spite of all God’s warnings, our nation has only gone deeper into sin and shocking depravity, as did Judah. I believe the grains of sand in God’s hourglass are running out. America needs repentance, starting with the church!

2 Chronicles 7:14 TLB

“then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.”