Jeremiah 7:1-9:26 (Empty Religion)
The Weeping Prophet
Part 4: Empty Religion (7:1-9:26)
Actions Speak Louder than Words
The people in Jeremiah’s day talked the talk, but they didn’t walk the walk. They were going to the temple (7:2, 4, 14), taking part in the sacrificial system (7:21-22), and even interacting with God’s word (8:8), but their hearts and lifestyles did not match up. God was not fooled by their act (7:11). He called them out for their deceitfulness (7:9, 8:10, 9:3-8).
Prophets for Profit
Most of Judah’s Prophets were corrupt and told people what they wanted to hear (7:4, 7:8, 8:11). But Jeremiah was telling the truth about God’s wrath. His message was not an empty threat (7:12), but a certain reality. Jeremiah is even told not to pray for his people (7:16). It was not the time to cry for mercy, it was the time to mourn the death of Judah (7:29, 9:17-22).
What Had God Desired?
God had never been most interested in religious rituals (7:22-23). It wasn’t that God was expecting perfection, but He was expecting persistence (8:4-5). He wasn’t expecting sinlessness, but shame over sin (8:6, 12). And He wasn’t expecting greatness, but to receive the glory for whatever was accomplished (9:23-24). He was looking for people who took their religion to heart. (9:25-26).
Part 4: Empty Religion (7:1-9:26)
Actions Speak Louder than Words
The people in Jeremiah’s day talked the talk, but they didn’t walk the walk. They were going to the temple (7:2, 4, 14), taking part in the sacrificial system (7:21-22), and even interacting with God’s word (8:8), but their hearts and lifestyles did not match up. God was not fooled by their act (7:11). He called them out for their deceitfulness (7:9, 8:10, 9:3-8).
Prophets for Profit
Most of Judah’s Prophets were corrupt and told people what they wanted to hear (7:4, 7:8, 8:11). But Jeremiah was telling the truth about God’s wrath. His message was not an empty threat (7:12), but a certain reality. Jeremiah is even told not to pray for his people (7:16). It was not the time to cry for mercy, it was the time to mourn the death of Judah (7:29, 9:17-22).
What Had God Desired?
God had never been most interested in religious rituals (7:22-23). It wasn’t that God was expecting perfection, but He was expecting persistence (8:4-5). He wasn’t expecting sinlessness, but shame over sin (8:6, 12). And He wasn’t expecting greatness, but to receive the glory for whatever was accomplished (9:23-24). He was looking for people who took their religion to heart. (9:25-26).
posted by matthew at 11:51 AM
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