Subscription Lists

From the pen of Jeremiah we are able to read of the horrific spiritual condition of the fallen nation of Israel. Essentially the entire nation of Israel had gone whoring after other gods, the gods of the heathens that surrounded them. The way for this great apostasy was paved by false kings, false priests, false prophets, and covetous masses. Apathy towards the Law of God was rampant even as today’s focus text reveals.

Speaking through Jeremiah, God said: “Therefore I will give their wives to others, And their fields to those who will inherit them; Because from the least even to the greatest Everyone is given to covetousness; From the prophet even to the priest Everyone deals falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; In the time of their punishment They shall be cast down.”(Jeremiah 8.10-12).

The inability to blush is but a symptom of a greater problem. There is no passage in the Bible that says, “Thou shalt blush under certain conditions.” Neither is there a passage which teaches how a person can “learn how” to blush or not to blush. Blushing is a common and natural reaction to events or things that so accost ones sense of decency that the face and cheeks turn red. The reaction is so common that a red or rosy appearance or color is even referred to as a “blush” color. Those familiar with cosmetics know the value of artificial “blush” when added to an otherwise pretty face; it gives the look of innocence and beauty that is so sought after in many circles.

God’s complaint was that Israel had forgotten how to blush. This is, of course, a metaphor which simply means that their hearts and minds were so corrupt that even the vilest of sins had no effect on their conscience. They were capable of witnessing the most immoral and indecent deeds imaginable with no sense of shame or guilt. They were able to participate in these same deeds with the same result – no blushing at all! Many of the translations simply say that they could not blush! This is a testament to their depraved condition as a whole. It wasn’t just a few; it was the entirety of the nation!

Much can be told about a person or a group of persons by the things that embarrass them or cause them to blush. It hasn’t been that long ago when a four letter word in the classic movie, Gone With The Wind caused an uproar. Even less time has passed since it was illegal and impractical to say words on TV and in movies that are commonplace today. Gutter talk is common on TV and unfortunately in the masses that drink its toxins in hour after hour and day after day. Gone are the days when family friendly programming was the norm and objectionable words and scenes were killed by the moral outcry of the viewer! Perhaps I am a bit old fashioned, but since when did being old fashioned become wrong and being morally permissive become right?

It is not a sin to blush! In fact, the ability to blush indicates a live and functioning conscience. The moral fabric of a nation is directly related its ability (or the lack thereof) to blush. While we in America have of technologies that put third world countries to shame, they have upright and honest cultures that should be the cause of our shame. When the only thing that makes us blush is the shame of blushing, we have come a long way baby! But, just which way have we come?

Questions:

1. What is signified by one’s inability to blush?

2. Is it sinful not to be able to blush? If no, then what is the big deal over it?

3. What moral faculty has been damaged when blushing becomes impossible?

4. Why do you think God give humanity the ability to blush?

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Honoring A Father