In verses 8 and 12 we read, “For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their actions are against the Lord, to rebel against His glorious Presence. 0 My people! Their oppressors are children and their women rule over them. 0 My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, and confuse the direction of your paths.” In this chapter, we see that the Lord Himself has removed both rulers and support from His own people because of the stubbornness of their hearts to have their own ways, and reject God’s ways. In verse 4, it says, “And I will make mere lads their princes and capricious children shall rule over them.” In our North American culture, and fast growing around the world, it is not hard to detect how some children have become the focus of parents’ schedules, and the ever-dwindling funds within their budgets, for the never-ending pursuit of happiness and fame in their favorite area of endeavors. Sports, for example, used to be a source of leisure and competition after a hard day’s, or week’s work. Now it is the focus and goal, of reaching beyond the limit to be the best at play; it has become the work toward which many children strive, because the payback is so enormous. Many parents have willingly become the source of on going support for this system. In the process, many have lost their own identity and direction, and have failed to recognize God’s plans for their lives. Jesus says in…
