The Results of Compromise
April 1, 2019
Commentary
Most of his messages from chapters 7-20 were delivered during the reign of Jehoiakim. King Josiah had led the nation in a reformation during which he restored the temple and removed idols from the land. In 609 he was wounded in battle near Megiddo and taken to Jerusalem where he died (II Chron. 35:20-27). Josiah’s son, Jehoahaz, reigned for three months but was dethroned by the King of Egypt and replaced by the kings brother Jehoiakim. During his reign he led the nation back into their idolatrous ways. The Jews didn’t actually abandon the temple ministry, they simply compromised and brought idolatry into the temple and made Jehovah one of the many gods they worshiped.
This was a word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord (v. 1). It was to be preached by him at the gate of the temple to the men of Judah as they entered these gates to worship (v. 2). If they would “amend their ways and doings” (repent), and return to God He would restore their peace and return to them in a way of mercy (v. 3). The people believed that judgment would not come because the temple was in Jerusalem but God’s protection would only come if they changed their ways (v. 4).They must be honest and just in all their dealings between themselves and their neighbor (v. 5). They are not to take advantage of the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow (v. 6). Neither are they to walk after other gods, nor listen to those that would draw them into communion with idolaters; for it is, and will be, to their own hurt. He tells them that if they establish such a work of reformation and abide by it they will be able to dwell in the land that He gave to their fathers for ever and ever (v. 7).
Application
I must never compromise in my walk with the Lord by letting people and things become more important to me than in obeying the Lord.
Jeremiah 7:1– 7 (NET)
1 The Lord said to Jeremiah: 2 “Stand in the gate of the Lord’s temple and proclaim this message: ‘Listen to the Lord’s message, all you people of Judah who have passed through these gates to worship the Lord. 3 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: Change the way you have been living and do what is right. If you do, I will allow you to continue to live in this land. 4 Stop putting your confidence in the false belief that says, “We are safe! The temple of the Lord is here! The temple of the Lord is here! The temple of the Lord is here!” 5 You must change the way you have been living and do what is right. You must treat one another fairly. 6 Stop oppressing resident foreigners who live in your land, children who have lost their fathers, and women who have lost their husbands. Stop killing innocent people in this land. Stop paying allegiance to other gods. That will only bring about your ruin. 7 If you stop doing these things, I will allow you to continue to live in this land that I gave to your ancestors as a lasting possession.
Illustration: Reaching And Agreement With a Bear
Winter was coming on and a hunter went out into the forest to shoot a bear out of which he planned to make a warm coat. By and by he saw a bear coming toward him and raised his gun and took aim. “Wait,” said the bear, “why do you want to shoot me?” “Because I am cold,” said the hunter. “But I am hungry,” the bear replied, “so maybe we can reach an agreement.” In the end, the hunter was well enveloped with the bear’s fur and the bear had eaten his dinner. We always lose out when we try to compromise with sin. It will consume us in the end. (Source unknown).