ODJ: no guide

Eat, Our Daily Journey | February 3, 2011 12:02 am

February 3, 2011 


My people have done two evil things: They have abandoned Me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! (v.13). 

READ: Jeremiah 2:1-13 

Each week around the world, 10 million Girl Guides (or Girl Scouts) learn how to cook, knit, survive in the wilderness, and generally become good citizens. A girl becomes a Guide by making the Guide Promise—a pledge of duty to God, country, and the Guide Law.

In recent years, there’s been discussion over the wording of the Promise, as a Canadian case illustrates. A Canadian Guide once pledged to “do my duty to God, the Queen, and my country.” In 1994, this was changed to “be true to myself, my God/faith, and Canada,” and in 2010 it was revised to “be true to myself, my beliefs, and Canada.” The changes reflect an understandable desire to be inclusive in a pluralistic society. But one can’t escape the obvious: a promise to self has replaced a promise to God. I often wonder how God feels about such headlines.

“What did your ancestors find wrong with Me?” God once said through the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 2:5). In her youth, Israel had been devoted to God—eager to keep her bridal promise; valiantly following Him through the wilderness (vv.2-3). Then the love cooled. Israel no longer cared for God, nor did her priests, scribes, and prophets (vv.6-8). In fact, she replaced Him with human-engineered replicas (vv.11-12). Her promise to God was transferred to an idol.

“They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water,” God cried out in poetic fashion. “And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!” (v.13). Here’s the tragic irony: Self-made replacements for the Source of life can only leave us dry and empty.

The change in the Canadian Guides’ Promise is symptomatic of a broader trend. When spiritual thirst overwhelms us, may we pledge ourselves again to the God of our youth. —Sheridan Voysey

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When have you thirsted for God? How are you seeking Him today? 
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