But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. Jeremiah 10:10 

Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” Matthew 11:25 

It sounds so simple in the words of Jeremiah. God is the true God, a living God, and everlasting one. It seems like that is all we need to hear. However, we humans seem to always want to make things more complicated. Many times we want to learn the secret way to God, to have the special knowledge that only our group knows to be the special people of God. To learn to read signs in the skies, or fear the wrath of the idols created by humans. 

The tenth chapter of Jeremiah begins with the condemnation of idols and their worshippers. The Lord tells them to not learn the ways of the countries around them, or be terrified by signs in the skies. Idols are compared to scarecrows in a melon patch that cannot speak. Idols must be carried because they cannot walk. There is no need to fear them since they aren’t real and cannot do anything harmful or anything good. They are made of wood, and precious metals, and fine fabrics, yet people believe in them.  

Even the wise and intelligent people believe in these human-made idols. In fact, they are leading the people to do this, creating empty rituals and instilling fear. Jesus tells us that God reveals things to infants, hiding them from the wise and intelligent. This does not mean the intelligent are left out. I think it means that we don’t have to use all of our intellect to listen and hear the truth about God and His grace toward us. Anyone can understand and follow God. It is just as simple as Jeremiah states: the Lord is the true, living, and everlasting God.   

Loving God, we need no special knowledge to know you. We need not pass a test to receive your grace. Thank you for your words of loving acceptance. The only thing you ask of us is to believe and trust in you, our Lord, Creator, and King. Help us to share this simple message with others today. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party