Everyone wants to be the focus of someone’s love

Jeremiah 31:1-6

The chapter begins in this manner: “At that time”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people.”  In the English Standard version the last verse of the preceding chapter had this ending; “In the latter days you will understand this.”  And in the HCSB version, chapter thirty ends in this way, “In time to come you will understand it.”

This may be a comparison to coming out of Egypt and coming out of Assyria, at both times God showed His favor and grace.  It also could be about a time that is yet to happen.  As we look at verses two and three, give thought to your relationship with a Holy God.  “This is what the Lord says: They found favor in the wilderness—the people who survived the sword.  When Israel went to find rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away.  I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.”

As one who is reading this, you may not be Christian by title, you may not believe in a Creator, but would you like to be loved in this fashion: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.”  It is my experience that you would; everyone wants to be the focus of someone’s love.  And yet many fear to allow those we love to know us in fear that they would choose not to love someone like us. 

It is apparent that God, who sees all and knows all, is not delusional about our thoughts and actions.  A Father who loves you so much that He would choose before the creation to redeem you is worth your thoughts!  The question one must ask; do you desire to be beloved with an everlasting love?

Israel, much like you and I have a history of leaving God for what seems so inviting, so fulfilling, but as in the case of Israel, we end up in slavery.  We have broken vows, broken promises, and also violated a relationship; we become slaves to our stuff and often value it above people.  We, like Israel, have sinned and fallen short, and we blame others.  But it always comes back to God; He could have stepped in and not allowed this, but then it would not be love, then it would not be grace.

Now verses 4 and 5 give us a picture of God’s grace restoring a sinful people, not on their merit, but on His forgiveness and grace.  And verse six is why I believe this may be a time to come, the ten tribes of Israel are returning to the Temple to worship.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice