What a beautiful scene between God and his favorite child. He loves us all, but God does have special affection for Israel. There is so much hope oozing from this passage. I have to wonder if such a plea fell on deaf ears because Israel couldn’t begin to fathom what suffering was soon to come. God’s heart cries out for his people to repent and get things right again.
There is even a section that speaks for the people of Israel as if it were their response. Was Jeremiah putting words in the Israel’s mouth? Is this truly how they felt? It would have been music to God’s ears to hear them admit that their allegiance to idols was indeed a “delusion.”
I see how passionately God loves us in this reading. I know Jeremiah’s words are directed to and about Israel, but the depth of God’s love for them is now available to us as believers in Jesus.
To see into God’s heart in such a intimate fashion is a gift. Our sins may or may not look that different from the sins of the Israelites. We, too, have our idols. What aspects of your life do you put in a place of priority before your Lord and Savior? Your work? Your family? Your bank account? Your “you” time?
Have you ever thought of yourself as “rebellious?” Maybe you push the limit with your devotion and allegiance to God, too, and don’t even realize it. The Israelites were certainly clueless regarding how much their idol worship was hurting the one true God who loved them so. We can cling to the same hope. It’s not too late.
Let’s pray … Lord, thank you for the hope you bestow on your children. I feel the tug on my heart to be as close to you as I can. Forgive me for those times when I have been rebellious and gone my own way. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you and what you desire for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
