Jeremiah 2:22 – “You can try to wash away your guilt with a strong detergent (human effort). You can use as much soap as you want (perform as many acts as you want). BUT the stain of your guilt is still there for Me to see, says the Sovereign LORD.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, a verse in Jeremiah 2 stopped me in my tracks. Isaiah 58-61 focuses on relationship, the call of God, anointing, and purpose. In the days of Isaiah and Jeremiah, Israel had drifted away from God and made themselves and false gods their Gods.

Jeremiah spoke to those trying to be acceptable through human effort. They were religious but unrighteous.  They thought they were okay because they attended synagogue meetings and performed rituals. They failed, as do some today, that it is not what we do but what He has done that saves us.

Jeremiah 2:22 (I have been awakened at 2:22 and 3:33 multiple times recently).    “You can try to wash away your guilt with a strong detergent (human effort). You can use as much soap as you want (perform as many acts as you want). BUT the stain of your guilt is still there for Me to see, says the Sovereign LORD.”

Many people today try to convince themselves that their religious badges will gain them entrance into heaven.  It’s not the badge; it’s the heart!

Isaiah 58 speaks of using religion for selfish purposes. It speaks of an outward show of religion while inside being filled with hate, dissension, and unforgiveness. Isaiah was told to confront them and expose the truth.

The words of Jesus in John 13:34-35 reverberate in my heart and mind. “I give you a new commandment- to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 Everyone will know by this that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”

Just going to church, quoting the Bible, looking religious, and wearing religious badges are meaningless UNLESS the heart belongs to God. We can never do enough to cleanse ourselves.   Only the Blood of Jesus can wipe away our sins. His Word washes us, and the Holy Spirit guides us into the light.

Being religious may make you easier to get along with, but being His is the only pathway to peace and eternal salvation.

Lord, I ask that You help us surrender all to You today!   Help us not to be deceived into thinking our religiosity will cleanse us.  Help us to love just as You love us. Set us free from self.

May God’s Grace, Peace, and Power guard and guide you today!