Oct. 14, 2021
Our Hope and Joy
Jeremiah condemns the false religion and idolatry of Israel and Judah. God’s people have been comforting themselves in His temple while breaking almost every commandment outside of it. Jeremiah warns that this reliance on the temple will not save them because external religious observances do not impress God.
Judah’s rebellion is no light matter. They have been offering their sons and daughters as sacrifices to other gods. The Lord promises to punish them accordingly with a violent judgment (Jeremiah 7:30-34). The root of Judah’s sin is their rejection of God’s word.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians that he is confident of their salvation because of the visible fruit in their lives. He reassures them that his absence is not because of a lack of pastoral concern, for they are his hope and joy to present before Jesus at His second coming.