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Jeremiah 17 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Does the Bible encourage us to “follow our heart?”
What we find in chapter 17 of Jeremiah is such a sharp contrast between the destiny of a man who follows his heart and the destiny of a man who follows God’s heart. Some would ask, “What’s the difference?” The whole reason obedience is required from a believer is because God is trustworthy. To disobey with our lives is to call into question His sovereignty and plan. The analogy in verse 8 reminds us of what it will be like for those who trust in the Lord…
He is like a tree growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. It is not afraid when hot weather comes, because its leaves stay green; it has no worries when there is no rain; it keeps on bearing fruit.
Jeremiah 17:8 GNB
The very next verse, Jeremiah 17:9, brings light to the foolishness of the attitude opposite of what we see in verse 8.
“Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed.
Jeremiah 17:9 GNB
The heart controls the character, attitude, will, and destiny of a person. It is easy to see how it can lead someone astray. God reminds us that the pursuit of personal gain will never be worth it in the end. It looks great on the outside, and we might even enjoy it for a time, but eventually, they will “prove to be fools.” Those who assume that our hearts are “naturally good” only further deceive themselves from the rescuing power of Jesus Christ. It’s not until we become completely fed up with our life of selfish behavior that we will recognize the sickness of our own heart. But all is not lost.
The bottom line, as it was for Judah, is a question of change. Will you turn from, acknowledge, and repent of your sin to join Him in His glory? …or will you follow your own ways to destruction?