Jeremiah 7 - Day 657 (link to reading)
Scripture: Jeremiah 7:1-11 Commentary (workingpreacher.org): Jeremiah 7:1-10 challenges the idea that is found in many of the hymns of Israel: God is in his temple so we are safe. For instance in Psalm 48, the idea is found that God’s presence in the temple of Jerusalem is like a kind of protective shield over Jerusalem that makes her invincible (cf. also the temple liturgies in Psalms 15 and 24). Jeremiah is faced with the reality that the temple and the city is not invincible as evident in the devastating Babylonian attacks that three times invaded Jerusalem and in 587 BCE destroyed the temple. Dealing with this loss, the prophet warns against an uncritical claiming of the promise of God’s presence for one’s own sake. God is not a security blanket, nor can God be used like an amulet or magic wand to ward off danger. Application: Like in any healthy relationship, our relationship with God requires our commitment, energy, time, and so much more. The Israleites had taken God for granted and expected Him to protect them, even in their sins. God loved them but doesn't exist to serve the whims of mere humans. Prayer: Lord, who am I that You would care to know my name... Comments are closed.
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January 2024
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