Words are important. Like in Germany one of the words that re-emerged in the pandemic (from World War II) was hamsterkauf. Literally “hamster buy,” it referred to “the act of succumbing to our basest animal-brain instincts to hoard more necessities than we would ever actually need” (R Schuman). Like toilet paper.
Actually, the Germans have a great way of creating new words by combining existing words. Like a clear fiberglass
spuckshutztrennscheibe (SHPOOK-shoots-TREN-shy-buh)—literally “spittle-protection separation pane.”) Or coronakindergeld, the ongoing financial support for parents stuck at home with their kids.
There was a word that appeared in our Jeremiah text last week in chapter 14 that may have gone unnoticed. It occurs thirteen times in the book and is rarely used today around churches or in preaching.
Growing up it was a favourite – backsliding.
Jeremiah 14:7 Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you.
In the Old Testament it was used to speak of those who have been close to God but have allowed sin and distractions to take Him from being central to their life and faith.
Romans 15:4 (NLT) 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.