Often, when I read the Bible, I take notes and will paraphrase in my own words what is being said.  That is what I was doing from Jeremiah, but I’m not sure what translation it was. I think I was also drawing from other passages, so it doesn’t exactly line up, but I was taking seriously the consequences of not listening to the Lord. 

Jeremiah 16:5 For this is what the Lord says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal; do not go to mourn or show sympathy, because I have withdrawn my blessing, my love and my pity from this people,” declares the Lord.

The context of this passage was the Israelites had turned from God again and again to worship other gods. He sent the prophet Jeremiah to urge them to return. Jeremiah spoke words that God had given him, but they wouldn’t listen.

From the journal . . . . July 2002

Jeremiah 16:5 (my paraphrase) Don’t go to these people.  Withhold yourself from them.  God is bringing calamity because the people have not listened. 

Oh Lord.  I want to listen.  Where do I go to hear?

And I Believe God Said:

Love My people.  Look for those who yearn for Me.  They don’t all think like you, but look and notice if they yearn for Me.  People want people.  That’s okay, but do they want Me?  Tears convey some things, but some don’t have tears.  Listen and be observant of hearts that yearn for Me.

Psalm 63:1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 119:79 Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws. NLT

Psalm 119:63. I am a companion of all those who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.

I like to see passion in people.  I like passionate movies like Braveheart, Gettysburg, Chariots of Fire, and many more. You can clearly see passion in Mel Gibson as he portrays William Wallace in Braveheart because he’s quite animated. However, Colonel Chamberlin in Gettysburg played by Jeff Daniels appeared much more subdued. Yet both these real-life heroes were fervently committed to the cause of freedom.  That’s inspiring but how much more when people have that zeal for Jesus! Those are the ones I want to listen to!

Braveheart 1995   William Wallace ~ Mel Gibson Gettysburg 1993  Colonel Chamberlin ~ Jeff Daniels Chariots of Fire 1981  Eric Liddell ~Ian Charleson