There are two verses in the 8th chapter of Jeremiah that tell us something about the condition of Judah in that time period. In verse 5 the Lord asks: “Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding?” Verse 20 tells us of the condition of those of whom Jeremiah wrote. It states: “The harvest is past, The summer is ended, And we are not saved!”
These people had experienced the special love of God. In the summer of God’s care for them they had on the whole committed spiritual adultery by worshiping other gods. When the time of harvest came they could bring nothing to the Lord of Harvest. Their terrible plight was that they were not saved, and the context of chapter 20 gives the reasons. As a result of their unfaithfulness and backsliding they were sent into captivity for seventy long years.
Today, God has given us His wonderful and precious Word. By learning, obeying, and living by that Word we can have our sins remitted and have the hope of the eternal home. Yet, many, like the Jews of that day, are lost and seem so unconcerned. One day the summer will be gone; the time to obey (harvest) will pass; and many will awaken to the awful realization that they are not saved, and will meet their Maker in this condition. Are you saved—Saved according to the directions found in God’s Word?
