Do you take your worship with You?

Read Jeremiah 7.

The Temple in Jerusalem was the most sacred place in the world.  Inside, the very presence of God filled the Holy of Holies.  Judah felt safe, even invincible, because God was on their side.

At the Temple, the people of Judah showed outward signs of obedience to God.  But, during the week their lifestyles betrayed the faith they said they believed.  They proclaimed, "'We are delivered!'--only to go on doing all these abominations." (v.10)  They went through the motions but there was no demonstrated life-change.  This lack of spiritual integrity and blatant sin would no longer be tolerated.

God named their sins.  Most all of them had to do with their mistreatment of others.  In addition, they were looking to other gods and making sacrifices to them.  The LORD will not share His position of exclusivity with anyone or anything.

Twice, Shiloh is mentioned.  That was the place where they Ark of the Covenant had been until the Philistines attacked and captured the Ark (1 Samuel 4:10-11).  God's warned Judah that such a thing could happen in Jerusalem.

His call to them in verse 23 is simple:
1. "Obey my voice." 
They had been listening to the voices of false teachers and ungodly leaders.  Do not miss the establishment of this message in verses 1-3.  "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD...proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD...Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel..."

God has more to say about life than can be learned and implemented in a lifetime.  In our day, it is written down for us.  We have no excuse.  God has spoken on what we are to do and what we are to avoid.  His challenge is for us to listen, learn, and live obediently according to His word.

2. "Walk in all the way that I command you."
Our worship of God should remind us of our spiritual standing and commitment to the LORD.  The time should be inspiring, educational, encouraging and challenging.  But the proof of worship is what happens next.  Some leave their worship in a special place, like Judah did.  True followers take their worship with them and live radically different lives as a result.

3. "That it may be well with you."
This is God's goal in our personal relationship with Him.  He will meet our needs and protect us because we are His.