JEREMIAH 7:1-12
We have very beautiful churches in the world today. Many of them are architecturally unique.
The most beautiful place of worship in Jeremiah’s day was the temple in Jerusalem, which King Josiah had repaired and restored (2 Chronicles 34-35). It was attractive on the outside and on the inside. The people were captivated by the magnificent building and they erroneously thought that the presence of the temple and their worship there meant that God would protect them from their enemies.
God was not obligated to deliver the people if they had broken the terms of their covenant with Him. Being the “chosen people” or having a beautiful edifice did not mean preferential treatment if they had failed to follow His ways.
Jeremiah made it clear that God was not impressed by beautiful buildings constructed in His name if there is no inward beauty in the hearts of those who go there. He is not interested in an outward show of worship that is not matched by inward holiness. He is not bound by rituals – if they do not honour Him, they are empty.
That we read the Bible, pray, or fellowship with other Christians does not mean that God is obligated to do something for us. He cannot be manipulated. The purpose of these external activities is to build our relationship with Him and to help us live differently from the world around us.
🙏 Lord, help us to remember that You are most interested in our obedience. You are not obligated to us because of our religious acts of worship or service. Give us pure hearts in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
