Because we bear your name
by Dianne Eckermann
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You are among us, Lord, and we bear your name; do not forsake us (Jeremiah 14:9).
The three verses of today’s reading provide great insight into the human character. Verse 7 acknowledges human sinfulness. In fact, it is emphasised not once but twice. However, by opening the verse with the phrase, ‘Although our sins testify against us’, the writer is already preparing an argument that perhaps we are not totally responsible for our sins. He demands action – not his own action but a demand that the Lord do something.
He continues with several questions, essentially suggesting that if God had been more present and less of a stranger, God would have been better prepared and these great transgressions may have been averted.
I have listened to many complaints of this nature during my working life. For example, complaints beginning by acknowledging the complainer may have done something they should not have. But they end up suggesting that their poor behaviour was actually caused by the system or by other people not doing their job correctly, all the while talking themselves out of taking responsibility for their own poor choices.
Verse 9 turns this mode of complaining on its head. Whether the confession of sin was sincere or not, the writer pleads with God for help. By its very nature, his plea acknowledges his sinfulness and that it is God alone who can provide the assistance he needs. Most importantly, it also mentions a significant reason why only God can help him; it is because the writer bears his name. It is not for himself that he is pleading for help: it is because he is the image of God. Whether the confession of sin was sincere or not, the plea not to be forsaken or separated from God seems absolutely genuine.
As Christians, we bear the name of Christ. If we are honest, there are times we have not acted as if that is the case, and we need God’s help as much as the people of Jeremiah’s time, perhaps even more so. It’s not easy being a Christian in a post-Christian environment, but through Christ, we are not forsaken but saved.
Lord God, no matter how challenging it may be, help us always remember that we bear your name and that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are not forsaken but have the gift of salvation. Amen.
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