Change of location

“Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD” Jeremiah 7:4.

God made Jeremiah “a tester of metals among my people.” Isn’t that what Christians are today in the world? Because we walk as Jesus did, we hold up the standard of the Word and “test their ways,” finding that “rejected silver they are called, for the LORD has rejected them.”

God’s people in Jeremiah’s day, however, sought to escape the prophesied destruction by amending their location, not their way and deeds. After all, the temple, where God’s presence among men dwelled, meant too much to God for Him to destroy it!

God didn’t dwell among men, though, for His sake … but for theirs. He wanted them to “execute justice,” “not oppress the fatherless and widow,” not “shed innocent blood,” and “not go after other gods.” There were those who spoke deceptively to itching ears that an internal change was not necessary but only a change of location.

This may be similar to someone who relies on their baptism of long ago but continues to live for himself. They don’t believe that God who gave us His Spirit to dwell within us will destroy His temple.