NOSELESS FACES

NOSELESS FACES!

Jer 44:13-16

13 For I will punish them that dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:

14 So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape.

15 Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,

16 As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord , we will not hearken unto thee.

Ps 38:5

5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

           The continued behavior of those left behind from the Babylonian captivity can only be described as self-destructive. Now that they find themselves in Egypt for what they think will provide security and prosperity, the people abandon themselves to the gods of the land.  Their worship of the queen of heaven results in a message of condemnation and judgment.

Jeremiah proclaims that their behavior will only lead to destruction.  They are cutting off their nose to spite their face. The Lord says, “Go ahead, only know that those who escape the sword will return out of Egypt to the land of Judah few in number” verses 25-28.

The expression, “Cutting off your nose to spite your face” has interesting origins. It was a practice of jealous husbands who found their wives to be unfaithful. Once the anger had calmed the husband had to forever gaze upon the face of a mutilated wife. It warns against overreacting to a problem with a solution that ends up being more destructive than the problem itself. Often such reactions come from fear or anger. That was Israel’s problem. Their fear drove them to react with self-destructive behavior.

What is the source of my fear or anger? Am I allowing fear and anger to pursue solutions that could end up being more harmful than helpful?  Am I turning to the Lord first? That would be the logical course of action. But then again, fear and anger are not logical in their origins.

Dear Lord keep me from a fear that ruins logic and from an anger that is self destructive. When I am afraid let me trust in Thee and when I am angry to yield to your will and direction. Calm me and set my feet on the path of wisdom. AMEN