God’s Word must be spoken as a Word which calls for response. The prophet is to “warn the wicked man to turn from his ways” (Ezekiel 33:9).
He is to declare that “the Sovereign Lord ... takes no pleasure in the
death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and
live.” The prophet is to say, “Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will
you die, O house of Israel” (Ezekiel 33:11).
If God’s Word is to be received as a Word of salvation, it must be
“humbly accepted.” We must “not merely listen to the Word.” We are to
“do what it says” (James 1:21-22). Our “house” must be built on the Lord (Psalm 127:1).
This is the way of wisdom, the way of building on the Rock, which is
God Himself. When the storms of life become very testing, those who have
built their lives upon the Lord will not collapse - “They will not be
put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:5). God’s Word promises blessing to those who respond to its challenge with the obedience of faith.
" ... Will you ... come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, We are safe" - safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears My Name become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 7:8-11). “God demands a conversion of the mind and heart as the basis of peace and security (cf. Is 26:3), not the superstitious veneration of a stone building or a traditionally sacred site” ( R K Harrison , Jeremiah ).
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