Please read the passage before reading the commentary
This passage resembles that of chapter 7. Jeremiah had entered the temple and began to preach, chapter 7 gives us the content; chapter 26 gives us the result.
The content: To all who were entering the temple, Jeremiah had said, Just because you have entered the Lord’s temple and boast of the temple, you will not be rescued from the results of your disobedience. Without repentance, entering the temple is empty show. The temple will be destroyed.
The result: No accolades from the people for the “good sermon”. Rather the people wanted to put Jeremiah to death for preaching against the temple. Jeremiah had struck at the heart of their hopes by telling them that buildings were no defense, but a change of heart and conduct would be the best defense.
Application: We are good people or, at least, we like to think of ourselves as good people. We have good positions in society and respect from coworkers and colleagues. We have it made. Whoa! Jeremiah is telling us that our reputation does not matter, nor do things we consider our credentials, such as college degrees and bank accounts matter. God can give rocks and trees college degrees and bank accounts. What matters is what we have in our heart, obedience to God and living according to God’s law, not according to our law.
How do we hear this news? Is it good news? Or do we consider it outmoded for ourselves? How have we sacrificed our obedience to God to carry out our own projects at a cost to others and at a gain for ourselves? The prophet is speaking to us.2 August 2024 Jeremiah 26:1-9
Please read the passage before reading the commentary
This passage resembles that of chapter 7. Jeremiah had entered the temple and began to preach, chapter 7 gives us the content; chapter 26 gives us the result.
The content: To all who were entering the temple, Jeremiah had said, Just because you have entered the Lord’s temple and boast of the temple, you will not be rescued from the results of your disobedience. Without repentance, entering the temple is empty show. The temple will be destroyed.
The result: No accolades from the people for the “good sermon”. Rather the people wanted to put Jeremiah to death for preaching against the temple. Jeremiah had struck at the heart of their hopes by telling them that buildings were no defense, but a change of heart and conduct would be the best defense.
Application: We are good people or, at least, we like to think of ourselves as good people. We have good positions in society and respect from coworkers and colleagues. We have it made. Whoa! Jeremiah is telling us that our reputation does not matter, nor do things we consider our credentials, such as college degrees and bank accounts matter. God can give rocks and trees college degrees and bank accounts. What matters is what we have in our heart, obedience to God and living according to God’s law, not according to our law.
How do we hear this news? Is it good news? Or do we consider it outmoded for ourselves? How have we sacrificed our obedience to God to carry out our own projects at a cost to others and at a gain for ourselves? The prophet is speaking to us.