Introductory Thoughts
The context of our passage is the sinfulness of God’s people, particularly those residing within the city of Jerusalem. The city is said to have “wearied herself with lies.” A similar truth is taught in Jeremiah 9:5 where the Bible says, “they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.” The context is different, but the concept remains constant: it requires hard work to tell and sustain lies. Anybody that has ever told a lie knows that it takes much greater effort to sustain a lie than to simply let the truth stand upon its own merit. Among other things, lying takes creativity, calculation, and a good memory. Additionally, lying stresses a person’s conscience. Very rarely does one lie suffice within any particular deception, but the original lie often requires additional lies to support it. Lying is hard work and very stressful for those who have not seared their conscience!
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Mom notices some cookies are missing from the plate on the counter. You ate them, but when asked, you say that you didn't. Later, as the thought that you lied comes to your mind, you begin to feel bad. Telling the truth the first time will keep you from having such thoughts and bad feelings.
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(For everyone): What do you feel like when you lie? At times, do you feel as though you have a heavy load of guilt weighing down upon your shoulders? Do your lies make you grow weary?
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If lying is hard work (and it is), why do you sometimes prefer lying over telling the truth? Why do you allow yourself to bring the burden of guilt upon your shoulders when the burden can be lifted by simply choosing to speak the truth?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you the common sense to speak the truth.
- Ask God to show you the extra work that lying requires so that you will speak the truth.
Song
Tell It To Jesus
