A Scarecrow in a Cucumber Patch (10:1-18) — Pastor Trevor McMaken

JUNE 28: Scarecrows in a Cucumber Patch (10:1-18) “But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” SUMMARY: The “way of the nations” which seem secure and powerful are actually pathetic. That’s the truth behind Jeremiah’s image of a scarecrow in a cucumber patch. These ungodly ways are not to be feared or imitated. In comparison, the Living God is to be feared, adored, and obeyed. DISCUSSION: This passage addresses our fears by contrasting God and idols. What fears do you imagine the people of Israel had in their day (see 10:2, 5)? What differences does Jeremiah highlight between the idols and the God of Israel? Compare the “way of the nations” of Jeremiah’s time with our day: When have you seen our cultural idols and worthless practices on display? What implications do you see that God’s kingship has on our idols, habits, and practices? What encouragement does God give us to not fear? How can we respond to God’s kingship over our neighborhood? PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you founded the world and spread the heavens with matchless power and unimaginable glory. Grant that we, being encouraged by your creative power, may boldly and compassionately call all things into the loving obedience of your perfect ways. Amen. PRACTICE: Write down some of the aspects of our nation and community that work against the ways of God. Take your list, along with the prayer of lament or the collects for social justice on a prophetic prayer walk and pray prophetically against all evils in our community. http://www.cityoflightanglican.org/events/jeremiah