Jeremiah 7: 21-34
key verse: 22
It's important to know what God wants from us. Israel buried itself in fake ceremonial religion.
1. Add to that (21-28)
God tells Jeremiah that the people add more and more burnt offerings. But it's not what God wanted, since the people's hearts are so hard, such that they listen to no counsel. They are like a deaf and dumb person who never hears the words of others. The only counsel he receives is that of his own heart (24). It is not astonishing, because he practices what he learns. Their fathers have done the same. The order that God gave was not for burnt offerings, but obediance to his word (23). The faithless repeat their ceremony, thinking that through this repetition they will be saved. It is, however, a false religion. It's what God hates. The way of true happiness is to listen to God's word.
2. Throw it (29-34)
One could very well cut his hair or sing a lament, since God has decided to judge. Idolatry is the ugliest thing in God's eyes, though the people practice it without concern. They bring abominations into the holy place and they practice in all open spaces that were once holy. God will overturn all idolatry. The valley where a festival to Baal is celebrated will become a valley of carnage where birds will feed on dead bodies. The end of disobediance is the country's total ruin.
Prayer: Lord, help me to discern what you want me to do and practice. The end of disobediance is ruin. I will from now on walk in your absolute obediance.
Bottom line: listen to my voice
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