If I had a nickel for every time my two daughters had conflict. The offense could be teasing, hitting, not sharing, or a million other things. After talking privately with each of them, I would bring the girls back together, stand them face-to-face and instruct the offender to say, “I’m sorry. It was wrong for me to __.” Occasionally, I would even ask them to hold hands, which caused them to roll their eyes at this admittedly awkward parenting strategy.
My goal was not for them to robotically repeat words or to just go through the motions to avoid punishment. As they practiced the external act of reuniting and verbally confessing their sin, my hope was that an inner posture of repentance would grow and that reconciliation would follow. My methods seemed external, yet my goal was always to shape their hearts.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see how God established specific ways for His people to relate to Him and to others. The Ten Commandments set clear parameters for God’s people. First and foremost was the non-negotiable command to avoid all idolatry: to only worship the one true God (Exodus 20:3). In addition to the Ten Commandments, God gave many other instructions detailing how to conduct civil life, participate in temple worship, and offer sacrifices.
What was the point of all these commands? Was God’s goal to create robotic rule-followers? Definitely not! God’s methods may seem external, but He was always fighting for their hearts. God’s goal was reconciliation and intimacy with His people. This is true for us today as well.
“When I brought your ancestors out of the land of Egypt,
I did not speak with them or command them concerning burnt offering and sacrifice.
However, I did give them this command: ‘Obey me, and then I will be your God,
and you will be my people. Follow every way I command you
so that it may go well with you’” (Jeremiah 7:22–23).
The God of all creation was pursuing relationship with His people—not moralistic law keeping. But they stubbornly resisted and forfeited intimacy by chasing false gods from the nations around them. They went through the motions of worshipping God in the temple, but their hearts were distant from Him. They shamelessly broke the Ten Commandments, which were actually God’s gracious blueprint for how to remain faithful, free, and flourishing.
We hear Jeremiah’s anguish as he weeps and wails over this wayward nation (Jeremiah 9:10). Over six hundred years later, we hear a similar lament from Jesus who weeps as He grieves over Jerusalem. Jesus ached for those so bent on human effort and religious duty that they could not recognize that Jesus, the Messiah, was in their midst.
Oh, if I had a nickel for every time I disobey God’s commands, for every time I trust in my external actions to validate me before God and others, for every time my heart grows cold and blind to Jesus.
Oh Lord, I confess that I’m the offender. I’m sorry. It is wrong for me to trust in my own efforts and to chase after things that deliver a mere, momentary buzz of satisfaction and security. Thank you for letting me hear that You long for more. You’ve always fought for the hearts of Your people. I’m so grateful You’re eternally, lovingly pursuing mine.
Patti Sauls lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Scott and daughters, Abby and Ellie, where they serve alongside the people of Christ Presbyterian Church. Prior to living in Nashville, the Sauls planted churches in Kansas City and Saint Louis and served at New York City’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church. A trained speech therapist, Patti also enjoys serving behind the scenes, hiking with friends, and reading good books.
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75 thoughts on "Obedience over Sacrifice"
Yes! Thank you Lord for never giving up on us! For continuously forgiving us when we ask for forgiveness. You never leave us in the dark even when we forsake you. You are a constant in our life, whether we are focused on you in the moment or not. We will fall. We will fail. But because of your grace and forgiveness, we can rise back up as Christ centered followers who obey your commands. Thank you God for your “parenting skills” and for helping us get back on track when we plummet off the deep end!
Lord I am so thankful that you are constantly working on my heart. ♥️
Don Carson has done some magnificent, moving sermons in Jeremiah- links here: https://faithbyhearing.wordpress.com/2008/01/15/d-a-carson-on-jeremiah/
I missed so many days, but still I was supposed to read this reading exactly today. God’s timing is amazing
I just saw these comments, and I am really struggling with the amount of text as well! I’m so far behind because I do not have the time to really give this study the time it deserves.
25“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh— 26Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.”
Does this seem to point to the future coming judgement of the Lord (that is still to happen?) Or is this referring to a judgement that we see in the Bible?
Hey Rachel,
Really suggest watching the Bible Project video for Jeremiah! It’s so helpful in understanding some of the old testament texts that I struggle reading.
My family loves The Bible Project so much! So much clarification and truth!
I agree Jeremiah gets a little weary with the condemnation and judgement, but you can see sprinkled throughout the book that God is still a God of grace and mercy. Jeremiah 3:12 immediately comes to my mind, “‘Return faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD; ‘I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious,’ declares the LORD; ‘I will not be angry forever.’” Israel messed up big time and God have them chance after chance to repent, but they didn’t, so there were some big consequences. God knew what they were doing was only hurting themselves (Jer. 7:19 – “‘Do they spite me?’ declares the LORD. “Is it not themselves they spite, to their own shame?’”) I love Jeremiah 9:23-24, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Let not a wise man boast of His wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” God so longs for us to know Him and have a relationship with Him. He’s not hanging over us waiting to pounce on our every failure, but if we keep choosing to walk in disobedience, like a good parent he will discipline us to bring us back to Himself. The point of Jeremiah is ultimately bringing Israel back to Himself. So, yes, the Old Testament in general can seem more condemning than the New Testament, but if you look for the grace, you will find it.
It has been a tough read at times, but I think that’s really because God’s people have moved SO FAR from Him in their hearts. Maybe try looking for, or highlighting, the opposite of what you’ve been seeing in your text and that might help you to see it from a different perspective. When God cries out over and over again “Return to Me!” (Mercy). When He says, even in His righteous anger, that the land will be destroyed, but He promises He will not destroy it completely (hope), or where He says if you would just stop; stop doing all these evil things and then coming into my house and giving me this fake offering, I would welcome you! God hates hypocrisy (we see that same truth with Jesus and the Pharisees over and over again). Look for the verses where Gods heart is broken and He is calling His people back (even when he KNOWS they aren’t going to listen) and maybe that will help you see Him a little differently.
It’s amazing how much the Old Testament and New Testament mirror each other. And both end with the coming of a savior. The best is yet to come!
Anyone else having a hard time with Jeremiah? I feel like this study is just reinforcing my distorted image of God as the vindictive punisher who’s waiting to catch me and then destroy me. He’s obviously got good reasons, but there’s no grace and mercy here. I know we’ll get there, but it’s hard for me to merge this image of God with Jesus.
I’m struggling with it as well. I think because of the quantity of text that is reinforcing it over and over, it’s hard to get through it each day
Same!! I mentioned this on comments a couple days ago! It feels repetitive, God is mad and then says it a million different ways. It’s hard to see past it.
It makes us long for Jesus, doesn’t it? Oh, come, Lord Jesus! EASTER!
God is never vindictive and out to punish. He is though a just God. For believers in His Son Jesus there is now no condemnation therefore we are under His grace and mercy.
My son ran away from home five years ago. Jeremiah was the book of the bible that most spoke to my heart at that horrendous time because it shows God as a loving father almost despairing that his children would ever hear him and repent. Now, as the world is devastated by Coronavirus and the serious economic hardship that will follow, I cannot help but see God’s plea with our nations, who knew nations who knew and were founded on the gospel, pleading with our society to return to him. May we earnestly pray for a spirit of repentance to be poured out across all the earth.
I want to encourage those who are having a difficult time with these readings. Read it in increments of the whole of the text overwhelms you. Pray as you read and let God minister there truth of His WORD to you. All scripture is God- breathed and profitable. Even the difficult passages. Sometimes the more difficult it is, the greater the revelation will be when it comes.
Wow! Amazing scripture. Nothing is new under the sun. How much has actually changed? Reading through Jeremiah reminds me of the world we live in today. The Children of today will suffer tomorrow. Woe to all who won’t have a change of heart to hear Gods calling.
Stephanie I can relate as well. I am in a dry season as well. I am thankful for SRT.
Good morning from Texas… I’m praying that all SRT staff and our sisters that live in the tornado devastated areas are safe… May you see and share God’s power and love
Father I look to you to show me the way, help me not lean to my own understanding but trust you. Jesus thank you for showing me the love of the father and becoming the sacrifice for us that we may experience true intimacy daily with you. Thank you Jesus for victory. This is my prayer of thanksgivings.
I pray that I will follow God’s blueprints and in doing so, build a relationship with Him.
I see so many parallels between the world of Jeremiah and the world we live in today. I pray that God will help me raise my daughters to love him and that our family can be a witness to help turn our world back to the Lord.
Stephanie Ancateu, I know what you are going through I have just come out of the same type of situation. I had to decide to get back into the word and I knew from past experience that SRT was the way to do it. Our sisters in Christ through SRT are very encouraging and will pray for you. Also the devotions, Bible readings and comments I have found to be very helpful. There are so many different studies to choose from that if this Lent one isn’t doing it for you totally you might want to try another but you may not get instant feedback. Hope this helps. I’ll be praying for you. God bless you.
Just going through a dry season – I have no hunger for the Word, no motivation to pray. I literally feel like I’m just going through the motions right now in this season. I know it’s wrong, but there is no motivation to do these things. I just find myself constantly blocking everything with YouTube or tv. And I just feel like I can’t break from it. Prayers needed!
Praying for you Stephanie! You are loved. You are forgiven. You are not alone. ❤️
Praying Stephanie that God would soften your heart and the Holy Spirit would speak truth and peace into your life. I’ve been there too, continue to seek God and He will show up for you in big ways. Even when we don’t feel Him, He is there. Don’t give in to satan’s attempts to draw you away from the Lord. Continued prayers for you!
Lord send the rain to our precious Stephanie again. Let it refresh, restore, and baptize her anew. Send a wave of fresh fire Father to rekindle her spirit. Give her a hunger and thirst for more of you, more of you, more of you…
One thing I know for sure. Whenever I make the slightest effort to turn towards Him, He will come and meet me where I am. Maybe hear His Word through music. Turn on some worship music and let it wash over you. He knows you, He knows you are struggling and He loves you. You are loved! Just turn towards Him. Love and prayers.
Father, thank you for your “Agape” love, even when I’m disobedient. I can’t imagine where I’d be without you in my life.
Thank you Jesus
Glory to God, thank you for showing me where I went wrong and allow me to clean it up by repenting of my sins. I am truly grateful to be your daughter and I acknowledge you as my father, in Jesus night name, Amen.
The example of external patterns working toward building internal awareness and repentance was really striking for me today. Of course, I thought, I have spent my daughters entire life teaching her to function in life from the outside in. Never longing for mere obedience but the hope that is shaping that obedience she would experience its rhythms and benefit. That she would grow into an adult that embraces the underlying principles with her whole heart. But I think part of what I am learning is that the refining process is a mixture of this behavioral repetition along with the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit to provide me the security, healing and wisdom. It’s this dance between obedience AND grace.
I make a habit of reading the scripture passages out loud. They seemed to cut to my heart much more quickly that way. I can feel the heart of God in these passages from Jeremiah, His love Over arches his discipline. I must remember this in my own life as I get so frustrated with my old sin nature, having to confess so often. I’m so grateful for his father love!
Pam, I agree that reading scripture out loud penetrates the heart. I am seeing God’s word and I am hearing God’s word which allows me to be more present in God’s word.
Elizabeth Polley, praying.
I long for my heart to be near to you. Let me not forget what you’ve done.
Jeremiah 7:23 says, “I did give them this command: ‘Obey me, and then I will be your God, and you will be my people. Follow every way I command you so that it may go well with you.’” This verse hit home with me, there have been and are times when I don’t follow the Lord’s commands. Therer are times when I think I know what’s best for me. Lord help me to follow your commands and your ways and your teachings. You know what’s best for me. Amen.
Love what you said Kristen, Angie, Victoria, Churchmouse, Monie Mag, Peyton Grace Potts, and Sarah Terry
Amen Nicole, Libby K, Brenda Lee, Dorothy Hecimovich, Kara, Sarah Barai, Haley Z, Candy B, and Jennifer Anapol
Praying for you Elizabeth Polley.
What hit me the most with this reading is the way that God is so saddened by his people’s sin. He doesn’t want to have to discipline them, bit he knows that is the only way they will come back to him.
Oh the tears of Thankful Joy I have as I read this. Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Thank you for letting me hear that You long for more. You’ve always fought for the hearts of Your people. I’m so grateful You’re eternally, lovingly pursuing mine”
*I will carry these words in my heart sun up to down! :)
I prayed the “dangerous” prayer that God would show me my sins this weekend . Well, I almost immediately , and without explanation,lost two brand new pendants ( a cross and an olive tree) that my dad brought me back from Bethlehem as a bit of a condolence after I had a miscarriage while he was on the trip . My level of heartbreak over these objects , over these things that I put such value on and anticipated as a “holy” declaration of my faith to the world , is convicting . My mouth says that I want my actions to show I’m a Christian and to show it with what I wear , but my heart still gets value from other people and objects of the world I perceive as valuable .
Day 8:
Why do we hold onto things that cannot help us? Why do we look to manmade things instead of God? Why do we follow the ways of the world instead of the Lord? We are a broken people who flock to the “easy” path. We follow what everyone else is doing just to be liked. God has called us to be different to stand up for what’s right. What good is wisdom if it’s not godly wisdom? We are nothing without the Lord.
No matter how far we get from God and how messed up we become, He always wants to bring us back and refine us. We are His people. We are called to share His name with those who don’t know Him. This is the purpose for our lives.
Amen. This world is so self serving and I see it in the nation of Israel in Jeremiah. God is calling out to our current society to return to Him and He will be our Father, just as He did in Jeremiah. Well said.
I see God’s great love for his people. His desire to have a personal relationship with us. He understands our failures. He just wants us to get back up when we fall and turn to Him for forgiveness and get back on track. Woe if we get to a place we no longer feel shame or humiliation. When we believe the lie that we are safe in our sin. I’m so grateful for a loving God who helps us walk with Him. God said He would give us a new heart, a heart of flesh for our heart of stone. He will put His Spirit within us and cause us to walk in His ways and with Him. Ezekiel 36:26
Amen!
“But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me…” Jer. 9:24
That is what God desires…to be known by me. It is not all the rules, but it is about relationship. Oh, to be fully known, loved and accepted. Isn’t that the longing of everyone’s heart? And God has that same longing – for me to know Him fully and love Him. May I truly be called a friend of His.
Candy, that is very well said. Thank you! It is truly all about relationship.
I don’t want to chase after anything but my Lord Jesus. I am in a place where I put my total trust in the One who created me. Life has been hard but my Jesus has been walking with me from the very get-go. May I never put my eyes on my trust on any one else but Him!
Sometimes simply saying “I’m sorry” is the hardest thing. Lord I ask that you make me humble. Allow me to truly repent my dishonorable, sinful actions and fix them when I hurt others. Let me be more comfortable being the first to say I’m sorry.
Asking for prayer this morning for my 2 year old. She’s been covered in hives all weekend, which occasionally happens to her, but these are different. As they fade they leave bruising and she also has some swelling on different parts of her body. Heading to the doctor soon and I am trying not to be terrified of what the doctor says/has me do next. Please pray for her health and peace for my heart.
I am praying for you and your daughter. Peace to you and her and knowledge for the doctors.
Praying Elizabeth for your daughter. May God bring healing to her body and sooth her skin. My son in-law has been having similar responses and is in the process of eliminating different food groups. May they both be healed in Jesus’s name.
I LOVE that we ended this devotion with a confession. What a great reminder that God has given us the blueprints and is always there to guide us.
Me too!! It was so perfectly what I needed.
I see how much we are back in the same situation, here and now. False teachers, false churches, following after the religions of other nations. We need to repent, be in Gods word and trust and follow Him only.
In Luke 19:44, Jesus says “ because you did not recognize the time when God visited you.” Wow. God visited these people in small and big ways over hundreds, thousands of years. He wooed, disciplined, provided, warned…and they still didn’t listen.
I wonder if they didn’t listen when things were “fine,” and that meant they couldn’t recognize His voice when He called. Im guilty of this too. I tune into lots of voices when things are fine: podcasts, tv, social media, and news. BUT if I don’t also tune my ears to His voice now, I may miss His whispers when it’s time to change course.
Open the ears of my heart Lord! Your sheep know your voice and know you are the Great Shepherd!
❤️❤️
Amen ❤️❤️
How blessed are we to have a God who loves us enough to pursue us? Forever thankful that our God loves us and longs for our hearts.
God is after relationship. No relationship is healthy without boundaries. Lord help me to live in loving obedience that our relationship may flourish and be my primary goal.
❤️
“…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
These are the verses that stood out to me the most today.
Oh God of mercy and Justice,
Forgive us of the moments we’ve acknowledged you for less than you truly are, the times when we’ve put others before you.
I praise you God because time after time you are patient, you are gracious, you overwhelm me with your love.
Help us to know you, to truly know you & to know you’re word that we will see You, that we will know You are near.
In the holy name of Jesus, amen.
When our two daughters were young and in conflict over anything (and really, it could indeed be over anything), my solution was much like we read in the devotion today. They had to face each other and say “I’m sorry.” But that was not satisfactory without also asking “Will you forgive me?“ Fortunately the offense was never so severe that the answer was no. Expressing remorse and then seeking reconciliation through forgiveness became a hallmark of resolving conflict in our family. Yes sometimes it was said begrudgingly and half-heartedly but it was a good step forward. And they were more sincere as they got older and the offenses were less.
This kind of reconciliation after conflict is God’s way with me too, only better. I know my sin. I know when I’ve offended. I know when I’ve missed the mark. As a Christian, I’m embarrassed and so sorry and often very hard on myself because I’ve failed my Savior again. I say “I’m sorry, Lord. Will You forgive me?” His reply? “Always, My child. Always.” Deep sigh of relief. Gratitude. Humility. Because I know this sin now forgiven won’t be my last.
Sisters, nothing can separate us from the love of God. Jeremiah outlined the sins of Israel and they were monumental. Our sins are every bit as offensive. But, dear friends, every one is also forgivable. Israel could walk in the freedom that came with repentance as can we today. Let us not stay stuck in habitual sin and shame and embarrassment over our failures. Let us ask for and accept His forgiveness. We are frail human beings prone to failure. But we are not failures in the eyes of our heavenly Father. We are His beloved children. Let us live, as our devotional author writes, free, faithful and flourishing. That’s the life He desires for us. The abundant life. So right now stop and listen for His still small voice as He whispers to you “I forgive you always. Because I love you always. Always. Remember that, dear child. Come to me anytime. Ask me again. My answer will be the same. I forgive you always. I love you always. Always.” Walk away believing. On second thought, no. Don’t walk away… Dance! And twirl! Skip! Because you’re forgiven and free and so greatly loved – for always!
Thanks for posting. I feel sorrow over my sin and ask for forgiveness, but it is hard to trust that God’s response to me is that I’m forgiven. I know in my head this is the gospel. But I am stiff-necked, and it is hard for the truth to travel to my heart, if that makes sense. My hope is in Jesus that I am forgiven, even when I don’t feel forgiven, but I long for the joy that comes with knowing this truth deeply. Rejoicing in it. How to make this change happen? I am not sure I know how. I am not sure that I can at all… I feel stuck here.
This was such a good read. It’s really forcing me to look at my own heart and my intentions. How many times do I do the lip service or the “nice” thing to look good? Lord, help me to be pure of heart!
Day 8
Kristen, your prayer hit me hard. It made me relate to my situation with my own children. On Friday I was weeping out of frustration over one of them. Wow, is this how the Lord feels about me? When I reject an opportunity to share His love, when I turn a blind eye to sin, when I let distractions take me away from reading and meditating on His Word?
God is Creator.
He could have made us obedient robots, but He gave a choice. Opportunity for relationship.
It begins with my heart-moves to my head-out through my eyes, mouth, hands, and feet.
God is Holy.
He knew my choices would include self-centered evil, eliminating relationship. Love paid my debt, Jesus.
His redemption begins on the throne of my heart-moves to my head-and out through my eyes, mouth, hands, and feet.
God is Trinity.
God my Father, makes me an heir and I rest in His arms and trust His care.
Jesus, the Son, CAME, took on human form, became the example. His cross built the bridge to get us Home.
God the Holy Spirit guides through each moment of today.
Listen and follow and our heart becomes more like His, our mind transformed, our eyes see His vision, our mouth speaks His words, our hands reach out in service and gentle touch, while our feet move steadily towards Home…
In relationship.
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…yet God, “His faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth.”
Oh Lord, may we be more like You today.
Just letting you know that my app missed most of Jeremiah 7 text (only showing verse 1), rest of the reading was complete though. Thanks!
Lord help me control the Baals – my marriage and family. Without You FIRST OVER ALL nothing fits.
Jesus wept over them. Jeremiah wept. This makes me think of how Jesus could still weep today. When will we/ I learn? Imagine Jesus weeping! He longed for them to get it! He was in their midst and they didn’t receive Him. Is He in my midst and I don’t get that? I would never say or do some things in front of certain people. I wouldn’t want them to see me act like that. Yet, I can do that in front of the Holy God of the Universe? Please forgive me God! Change me.God and make me sensitive to anything that displeases You. Help me to stop and change me from the inside out. I don’t want You to weep over me and my actions or hard heart, or thoughts of righteousness. Help me to see the depths of my sin, and the need for a Savior. Let that bring repentance and joy that lead others to You. Amen
Beautiful words. I prayed this prayer too.
❤️
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