Our scripture this morning is Jeremiah 7:1-7.
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and there proclaim this message: Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!” If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever.”
The prophet Jeremiah had the dubious task of bringing a warning to the people of Israel. God sent them a strong message: “Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place”, a big hint that they were not living as God intended. Moses had told them to watch out that they did not forget God when they came to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:11).
We are prone to a similar situation, becoming so absorbed in what we do every day that we forget God’s gifts and His place in our lives. Everything we do is only possible because God has blessed us and wants to be connected with us. We can’t hope to accomplish anything without Him.
We need to be intentional about time with God and listening for His guidance. When we are open to the inspiration He sends, we can be the disciples of today, ready to go into the world to share His love. Using our blessings well, for the good of His children and to His glory, is the best way to be His people.
Gracious God, we are humbled that You choose us to be in relationship with You. Make us strong in faith that we may carry the Good News everywhere. Amen.