Jeremiah 7:13-15
“So now, because of the way you have lived and failed to listen, even though time and again I took you aside and talked seriously with you, and because you refused to change when I called you to repent, I’m going to do to this Temple, set aside for my worship, this place you think is going to keep you safe no matter what, this place I gave as a gift to your ancestors and you, the same as I did to Shiloh. And as for you, I’m going to get rid of you, the same as I got rid of those old relatives of yours around Shiloh, your fellow Israelites in that former kingdom to the north.’”
“While you were doing these wicked things, says the LORD, I spoke to you about it repeatedly, but you would not listen. I called out to you, but you refused to answer. So just as I destroyed Shiloh, I will now destroy this Temple that bears my name, this Temple that you trust in for help, this place that I gave to you and your ancestors. And I will send you out of my sight into exile, just as I did your relatives, the people of Israel.’”
Any good parent recognizes this situation, where their child passes into outright defiance and requires discipline to help them develop self-control. Why should we, who were created in God’s image, be surprised to find he operates likewise? The difference is he is a perfect parent, knowing when the delivery of consequences is necessary as the only way to free and healthy living. He knows how we work best and wants the best for us.
Lord, the Enemy shines at telling us ethics are situational. Please open our eyes to this lie. Give us courage to see how sick we are and how needy we are of that which only you can give. Make us willing to see upside down, that living by your rules leads to freedom.