Jeremiah 30:1-24
Friday, 09 February 2024
“So you will be my people,
and I will be your God.” -Jeremiah 30:22
Jeremiah was called to prophesy to a wayward people, who had forgotten their God and indulged in idolatry and all sort of evil practices such that they were ripe for God’s judgement. Time and again God sent His prophets to remind them of their sin, seeking their repentance so He could bless them and restore them. In the reading today we see how God speaks to Jeremiah that He would restore His people as He was bound to them by His covenant and punish their enemies who had oppressed them.
God’s covenant with Israel granted them the privilege of being His special people who would represent Him to the rest of the world. On their part they were to obey His Law given at Mt Sinai so that they would show themselves to be His set-apart people enjoying His provision and protection. The departure from it would bring them consequences of God’s punishment for their sin and ultimately bondage and exile to other nations. Because of His great love for them, the Lord tried to woo them back into a wholehearted relationship with Him but failed as their stubborn hearts despised the messages He sent through the prophets. Jeremiah too prophesied doom and gloom to them but they were angry and wouldn’t heed. Yet the Lord remembered His covenant to His people and gives a message of future restoration and rebuilding despite the coming judgement. The key verse reiterates God’s loving relationship with His people: “…you will be My people and I will be your God.”
God also speaks of the discipline meted out to the wayward people, yet tells them: “I will discipline you but only in due measure;” (V.11). This was His remedial measure to call their attention back to Him.
Believers with the special privilege of being called ‘God’s people’- having been saved through Christ Jesus may walk away from Him, being lured by the many temptations that come their way by the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life (cf.1John 2:16). God sends His message through His Word and His messengers—preachers, prophets, etc.- who speak into the lives of backsliding believers to repent and return to God. In His love, He sends discipline through various troubles or blockades to catch their attention to seek His help. Hebrews 12:5-6 reads:
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
In His faithfulness and His desire to see His children walk in the way He has purposed for them, He disciplines- as a father does his son. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say: “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” (Heb.12:9-10). Those who understand and heed to His corrections, enjoy its benefits in the harvest of righteousness and peace. (Heb.12:11).
Just as the Lord told His people that He has a plan to restore and rebuild them, He tells every wayward Christian that He will do the same if they come back to Him. Acts 3:19 says: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” The Lord promises that He will heal and restore their fortunes (Jer.30:17-18). Similarly the Lord can heal your broken lives and restore you to abundant life in Him if you will allow Him! Friend, there will be rejoicing and honour in your life if you return in true repentance and wholehearted devotion.
Think on: This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength….”
Listen: 'Return to Me'
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