August 2, 2010 - God's Serious Warning

Meditation on Jeremiah 7

The Israelis were proud of their temple which they thought was a proof that God would protect them from destruction and deportation. But Jeremiah told them there were four things they need to change in order to prevent them from leaving their own land. These are: first, they should practice social justice. Secondly, they should not oppress the aliens, the orphans and the widow who had no means of support.

Thirdly, they should not shed innocent blood, and fourthly, they should not follow after the false gods. (v. 1-7)

Jeremiah continued to charge them with pluralistic faith and religion and violating the other commandments which God had given them. (v. 8-15) Jeremiah was told by God not to pray for these people any more who were worshipping idols. God's burning wrath would be pouring upon them. (v. 16-20)

The offerings of the people had no value because they did not listen and obey God's word. (v. 21-28) The most terrible thing they did was to sacrifice their own children on the altar of the foreign gods. With such unbelievable wickedness, they were doom to be punished by God. Their home and their lives would be lost. (v. 29-34)

God does give us warning from time to time when we depart from His laws and statues. Let us review what Jeremiah had said.