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Jeremiah 7:12-15 – A God Willing to Suffer Blasphemy
Search the Biblical history of the Jews and you discover that they believed without rationale, a self-told lie. This lie gave them false security despite it warping the character of God. Their lie turned God into a selfish, self-centered egomaniac.
They persuaded themselves that God would not, could not, allow His temple to be destroyed (Jer.7.12-15). Why did they believe this? The reason is the unfounded and unhistorical belief that God would not allow Himself to suffer the degradation of defeat. They did not learn the lesson of Shiloh. They did not learn the lesson of Israel’s defeat at the hand of the Philistines and the capture of the ark (1 Sam.4). They did not learn their history and therefore did not know their God.
This leads me to an uncomfortable conclusion. God is willing to be blasphemed among unbelievers when believers live a life of blasphemy (Romans 2.24). How am I handling God’s reputation?
Why does God do this to Himself? Why answers the question differentiating the true God from pagan myths. Why is because our God is more concerned with our soul, than His own reputation. If allowing degradation before others due to His people’s sin, hoping it leads to regret and repentance, then God is willing to suffer blasphemy. Look no further than the cross.
Mark 15:29-31 (HCSB) 29 Those who passed by were yelling insults at Him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The One who would demolish the sanctuary and build it in three days, 30 save Yourself by coming down from the cross! ” 31 In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking Him to one another and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself!
God cares more about us than Himself. Can we say the same?
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