Your form is different than anyone else’s. Even if you have an identical twin, with matching DNA, there is a freckle in an odd place that sets you apart and makes you remarkable. Remarkable just means special and different. It can also imply some level of fabulousness! We have our own form. In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah the people of Israel had not listened to God. What is the point of being the chosen people if you decide to lead yourself and dismiss God? Jer 25:5-6 says, “Turn now everyone from his evil way and from the evil of your deeds, and dwell on the land which the Lord has given to you and your forefathers forever and ever; and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm.” That sounds threatening but how many warnings has God given you that went unheeded? I picture God condensing all of His tug-of-war with people to, “FOR YOUR OWN SAKE – LISTEN TO THE ONE WHO MADE YOU AND LOVES YOU BEST AND MOST.” Those who follow other gods – our own pleasures and thoughts – become a “horror, and a hissing, and an everlasting desolation.” But we do not see our deformed purpose – me instead of God – as horror but that’s the word God assigns to rebellion. Rebellion against God’s intent for our good is a horror story that keeps counselors employed. There are wonderful and helpful people in that field for those who have been injured by getting in the path or other ‘horrible’ people. If you are the horrible one there is hope for us all. Jer 25:8 offers consequences, “…because you have not obeyed my words…” then a list of undesired results follows. Yes, we are all deformed in our own thinking but God always makes a plan for the good. We lose ‘joy and gladness’ because of some choices but God always calls His people to return to Him. They do and all is forgiven but, still, with the reminders that God loves us best and most. History repeats itself in the account of man and our long history of rebellion. So Jesus came to show us what embracing our Maker looks like. A ‘deformed’ person, covered in the forgiveness provided by Jesus sacrifice, is no longer a horror, and a hissing, and an everlasting desolation but (like) a beautiful bride dressed in pure white.
