Jeremiah 5-7

“The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way” (5:30). Jeremiah had the tragic responsibility of calling out Judah’s sins, warning that disaster was coming. The people still went to the Temple and sacrificed, but their hearts were committed to greed, deceit, and violence (6:13). They believed they were “safe” from God’s wrath because of their ethnicity, history, and rituals (7:20). But God wanted them to love Him and walk in the “good way” (6:16;7:3,22).

“You will find rest for your souls” (6:16). God has no interest in surface religion that hides a hard heart. He wants nothing less than our whole surrender, so that He can give us rest.