If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. Jeremiah 7:5-7 (Jeremiah 7-10)
Repentance and obedience are game changers!
The people of Judah were stubborn to the very end, but they had a strong superstition about the temple of God. Although they had many false gods, they still offered sacrifices and practiced a weak semblance of worship. Jeremiah’s message insisted this was not Holy or pleasing and would bring judgement. The false prophets of the day were smooth talkers seeking their own comfort. They preached peace and pointed to Jeremiah as an alarmist. He was not.
Oddly, as things worsened for Judah, there was a boom in the idol making industry. God created the trees these worthless gods were carved from. The miracle of His creative power made the gold that gilded them. Jeremiah and God both grieved for this unrepentant nation who chose ridiculous, empty securities.
It was not God’s desire to destroy. He is a kind and loving God that brings new life to those who ask. Repentance and obedience change everything.
Love,
Gretchen