By: Michelle Johnson Ph.D., MDiv.
What Does God Want from Me?
Why do you go to church on Sunday morning? Have the words “I have to go to church first, but then I can…” when a friend asks you to do something Sunday morning? What motivates you to sit in the sanctuary for one hour each week? I wonder if your answer matches mine, at least some of the time. I must admit there are times when church is an item on my checklist. It’s part of the list of things I must check off, so I have “completed” all my “to-do” items at the end of the week.
Throughout the Bible, God is clear about what he wants from us. These last few weeks, I have been reading through the book of Jeremiah, and I have been prompted to consider these questions. It is important to begin by considering the original context of this passage before exploring how this might apply to us today.
Jeremiah was a prophet to Judah beginning around 627 B.C. He would speak the words God spoke to him to the people of Judah. The words were warnings of upcoming judgment and offers of relief if the nation would repent and turn from its sin. Jeremiah 7:1-11 records one of these messages from God to the people of Judah.
“Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land (says the Lord). But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here.” (Jer 7:3b-4 NLT)
God accused the people of Judah of thinking they’d have no trouble while God’s Temple was there. He called them out on three things of which they needed to repent.
Repent – Lack of Care for Others, Murder, and Idolatry
They were guilty of exploiting others in their community–orphans, widows, and foreigners. (7:6) God called them to turn and change their behavior. They were to stop treating and thinking wrongly of these often less fortunate groups. God expected the people of Judah to prioritize justice for all. Instead, they were counting on the presence of the Temple to be their “get out of jail” card.
The second item in God’s word to the people of Judah was to stop murdering. (7:6) Short and sweet, a message right to the point: stop killing others. Whether this was offering child sacrifices or a complete devaluation of the lives of those around them–stop murdering. The presence of the Temple was not going to protect from judgment for taking the life of another.
The final word from God commands the people to quit hurting themselves. (7:6) This self-inflicted injury was the result of worshiping idols. This was the third thing God declared would not be ignored simply because they were at the Temple. They needed to repent and turn from this injurious activity.
What is the Application for Today?
This passage in Jeremiah has a very specific purpose and intended audience. But, like the whole of God’s word, there are always things important to us, principles that we can apply to our lives today.
As I read this passage, I was convicted of the times I attended church with the thought (conscience or not) that I was “doing” something that would gain me some kind of favor with God. God was very clear with the people of Judah; despite what others told them, there would be no protection from judgment simply because they hung out at the Temple. The same goes for us today; there is no merit that offsets our sin, gained merely because we check going to church off our “to-do” list.
The only solution to our sin is to repent, turn from that action, and obey God. God wants us to gather weekly to praise, pray, and study his word in a corporate setting. But he wants our heart as we do it. We do it because we love him and are grateful for all he has done for us. He desires our offering, sacrifice, and praise to be given with a right heart. Just as he wanted the people of Judah to repent of sin, turn to obey him, gather and attend Temple sacrificing, offering, and praying from a position of loving God with their whole heart.
About the Author
Michelle Johnson earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. She also earned her M.A. in Theological Studies and her M.Div. in Professional Ministries at Liberty University. Michelle graduated from the University of Minnesota with her undergraduate degrees. She and her husband Steve live in Mankato, Minnesota. Michelle and Steve attend Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie where Michelle serves on the Global Partner Care Team. In addition to her love of theology and apologetics, Michelle also has a passion for historical studies, particularly the theology of the Patristics. When she is not spending time reading or writing, Michelle can often be found dreaming of her next travel adventure or enjoying a great cup of coffee. Michelle Johnson serves as the Executive Vice-President and Managing Editor of Bellator Christi Ministries.
