Jeremiah 7:12-15 – Live responsibly because of our privilege

The people of Judah falsely believed that just because the temple was in Jerusalem God would not destroy it. In Jeremiah 7:12-14 the prophet debunked that notion. Firstly, God told them to consider Shiloh. Though it was considered a sacred place and was the center of worship for Israel for well over 300 years after Joshua had conquered and possessed the promised land. Yet during Samuel and Eli’s time the place was destroyed by the Philistines.   All because of the wickedness of Israel His people.  Now Judah was following in their wicked footstep and had refused to respond to God’s call to repentance.  Hence what God had done to Shiloh, He would also do to Jerusalem. Just because they were His chosen people, they would not be immune.

In Jeremiah 7:15, God pointed to the Northern Kingdom of Israel as another reason why  they should not presume on their false security. Ephraim is a reference to the Northern Kingdom. Though they were God’s  people and descendants of Abraham yet that did not prevent them from falling into the hand of their enemies because of their wickedness. Due to their wickedness they too were cast out of land for God also did not spare them.  It would be foolhardy for Judah to think that just because the temple was Jerusalem and that they were His covenant people, God would not judge and punish them. Nothing could prevent God from dealing with wickedness.

Privilege always comes with responsibility. The greater the privilege, the greater will be one’s accountability. When it comes to dealing with wickedness, no one can use privilege to claim immunity. This is especially so for God’s children. If there is anything to go by, God’s children, who have the privilege of the knowledge of God, will be judged with greater severity for their evil acts. Remember, without a cause, there will be no effect. From this passage, we sense God’s call to live before Him circumspectly. Ephesians 5:15-17 tell us, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”