When Wisdom Fails
9 “In that day, declares the Lord, courage shall fail both king and officials. The priests shall be appalled and the prophets astounded.” 10 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God, surely you have utterly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, ‘It shall be well with you,’ whereas the sword has reached their very life.”
11 At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A hot wind from the bare heights in the desert toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow or cleanse, 12 a wind too full for this comes for me. Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them.”
Jeremiah 4:9-12
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When Wisdom Fails
Jeremiah describes a terrifying day when even the king and officials lose heart, priests are appalled, and prophets stand aghast. The Lord allows a scorching wind, not to cleanse, but to judge. This wind symbolizes not refreshment but destruction, the just consequence of Judah’s persistent idolatry and false security. Those entrusted with leadership could not save the people. Human wisdom failed. Religious office offered no shield. So it is with us. When we trust in institutions, personalities, or even our own piety, the hot wind of the Law exposes our sin. God’s judgment strips away illusions and reveals hearts that have wandered far from Him. Yet the Lord’s final word is not destruction. The same God who sends the wind also sends His Son. At the cross, the burning judgment we deserve fell upon Christ. There, wisdom that failed in princes is fulfilled in the crucified Savior. In Him, terrified hearts find refuge, forgiveness, and true peace.
11 At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A hot wind from the bare heights in the desert toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow or cleanse, 12 a wind too full for this comes for me. Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them.”
Jeremiah 4:9-12
+
When Wisdom Fails
Jeremiah describes a terrifying day when even the king and officials lose heart, priests are appalled, and prophets stand aghast. The Lord allows a scorching wind, not to cleanse, but to judge. This wind symbolizes not refreshment but destruction, the just consequence of Judah’s persistent idolatry and false security. Those entrusted with leadership could not save the people. Human wisdom failed. Religious office offered no shield. So it is with us. When we trust in institutions, personalities, or even our own piety, the hot wind of the Law exposes our sin. God’s judgment strips away illusions and reveals hearts that have wandered far from Him. Yet the Lord’s final word is not destruction. The same God who sends the wind also sends His Son. At the cross, the burning judgment we deserve fell upon Christ. There, wisdom that failed in princes is fulfilled in the crucified Savior. In Him, terrified hearts find refuge, forgiveness, and true peace.
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