The days of the prophets were dark days indeed, being completely
surrounded in sin and lawlessness. Behind them, the people of Judah had
left their first love and true God. Currently, they were knee deep in sins and
idolatry with no sign of changing, nor any sign of remorse. Ahead of them,
destruction and captivity awaited them. This is the context of Jeremiah’s
message when he said, “Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of
Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, are these” (Jer.
7:4). The people of Judah never considered captivity or destruction as
reasonable possibilities, because they believed as long as the temple of God
stood, Jerusalem would stand. Because of this faulty mindset, Jeremiah
warned against false prophets by saying “They have healed also the hurt of
the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no
peace” (Jer. 6:14; 8:11). Jeremiah called the people to turn back to God and
place their trust in Him, not in the temple or in some other physical object.
Although Jeremiah’s voice seems far removed from us today, the lessons
that he taught are as timely as ever. The world ranks “strong” and “weak”
churches today based on the number of people that attend. Another big
factor that controls the world’s view of strength is the size of the contribution
offered. Many churches draw in new families by advertising the size of their
“youth group” to create a family-friendly atmosphere. While each one of
these elements is not wrong in and of themselves, they do not necessarily
represent congregational strength. John wrote to the Church at Sardis that
they had a reputation among men for being alive, but they were actually
dead (Rev. 3:1). Jesus did not address the contribution, the attendance, the
so-called “youth group,” or any other physical attraction. He attacked their
teaching, their failure to repent, their incomplete devotion towards God, and
their failure to be watchful for Christ’s coming (Rev. 3:2-3). God wants all
men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4) and wants to see them added to the church
(Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18), but He does not want people placing their confidence
in a number, a size, a preacher, a song service, or a large number of young
people. More than anything else, God wants His followers to focus on
hearing His word, and keeping His commandments (Matt. 7:21-25; James
1:21-25). Jesus connected obedience with love when He said “If ye love me,
keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15), and again “Ye are my friends if ye do
whatsoever I command you” (Jn. 15:14). While we cannot earn our salvation
by keeping a checklist of commands to get our ticket to heaven punched,
obedience demonstrates a living and saving faith (1 Thess. 1:3; James
2:14-26). God does not desire a large number of lukewarm followers who
have placed their trust in carnal symbols of strength and success (Rev.
3:14-19), but hearts that are truly convicted to serving Him faithfully.
Jeremiah’s preaching urged the people to turn back to God and trust in His
laws (Jer. 18:8). Their false security in the temple and in Jerusalem pulled
their hearts away from God, and we must not follow their example. Our hope
and trust must not be in what we see around us, but in God’s Word and the
promises He has given for those who will follow Him.
