Jeremiah 7-9, Psalm 124
Jeremiah 7:8-10 (NLT)
“‘Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will never suffer because the Temple is here. It’s a lie! Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, ‘We are safe!’—only to go right back to all those evils again?’”
In Jeremiah 7:8–10, Jeremiah told the people that they could not rely on their attendance at the Temple to spare them from suffering if they continued violating the Ten Commandments. Jeremiah warned the people that stealing, murdering, committing adultery, worshipping Baal and other gods, and then coming to the Temple would not bring them deliverance. The people of Jerusalem engaged in sinful behavior, came to the Temple thinking they were absolved of their wrongdoing, and then left the Temple only to return to sin again.
These verses remind me of how I used to behave before I was saved and entered into a covenant relationship with the Lord. I went to church and afterward felt that the Lord had forgiven me, but then I returned to living my own way. I wasn’t stealing or murdering, but I was still engaging in lesser forms of sinful behavior. I wasn’t truly worshipping the Lord; I was only participating in ritualistic observance.
It wasn’t until I was saved that I realized the Lord desired a covenant relationship with me. Through that covenant relationship, I discovered that I had the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience and faithfulness. I now feel that I truly worship the Lord, and that my heart is genuinely devoted to Father-God. I examine my actions every day to ensure they align with the Lord’s plan for my life and that I am living out my faith in every aspect of my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who desires a covenant relationship with you—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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