Jeremiah 7:23 "23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."

Jeremiah chapter 7 focuses on a sermon delivered by the prophet Jeremiah at the temple gate, warning the people of Judah about their impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry. He condemns their reliance on the temple as a guarantee of safety while they continue in sin, reminding them of God's past judgment on Shiloh, a place where the ark of the covenant once resided. The chapter emphasizes that true worship involves obedience to God and righteous living, not just ritualistic practices.

In essence, Jeremiah 7 is a powerful call for repentance and a warning against relying on outward religious practices while ignoring God's commands and engaging in sin. It highlights the importance of genuine faith and righteous living as the foundation of a relationship with God

Specifically in verse 7: "Obey My voice": What God had to say about sacrifice in the Old Covenant was rather small compared to what He had to say about simple obedience. It was clear at the temple gates that Judah still loved to bring sacrifices to the altar, but what God really wanted was their obedience, that they would walk in all the ways I have commanded you.

This is much the same thought as 1 Samuel 15:22: Then Samuel said: "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

As we work our way through 2025's theme of obedience, you can see that obedience to the Word of God is extremely important, not only individually, but as a country. God Bless America!