Read: Jeremiah 7-11
In Jeremiah 7, we are reminded again that false religion is worthless. There is only one true God, and He is not looking for empty rituals or words. He is looking for obedience.
“Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.” -Jeremiah 7:23
The people didn’t listen. They followed their own desires instead of God’s truth.
“But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.” -Jeremiah 7:24
There is a clear call here for us too. It is not enough to say that we believe in God. Even the Devil knows God to be real. We have to actually listen to Him and obey Him.
Chapter 8 shifts into sin and punishment. We know that sin leads to consequences. But through Jesus, we have been given a gift. He died for our sins, not so we could live freely in them, but so the cost of being made clean would be paid for.
Think of it like going through a drive-through. You place your order, and when you get to the window, the cashier tells you that the person in front of you already paid. You wouldn’t suddenly start adding more to your order and taking advantage of it. You would simply be thankful. You might even pay it forward to the next person behind you.
That is how we should treat what Jesus did for us. We don’t need to be greedy in our sin. We are already sinful by nature without seeking it out. Instead, we should turn from sin, appreciate the gift we’ve been given, and share that good news with others.
Jeremiah 9 and 10 continue to point us back to who God truly is. Not who the world says He is, not who people make Him out to be, but who He actually is.
“Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. -Jeremiah 9:24
Knowing God and being in relationship with Him is what matters. Not status, not success, not monetary value, not good works, not anything else.
“No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power…” -Jeremiah 10:6-7
There is no one like Him. No one and nothing compares to the Lord our God.
“But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King.” -Jeremiah 10:10
He is the Creator. He is powerful. He is eternal. And He alone is worthy of our obedience and our worship.
“But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” -Jeremiah 10:12
“… for he is the Maker of all things.” -Jeremiah 10:16
When we really understand that, obedience doesn’t feel like a burden. It becomes a response to who He is and what He has already done for us.
Discussion Questions
- Where in your life might you be going through the motions instead of truly obeying God?
- Are there areas where you are taking advantage of grace and forgiveness instead of honoring and appreciating it?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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