The Story - Chapter 18 - Jeremiah 31
That was basically the message the prophet Jeremiah was
called by God to deliver to the people of Judah (southern Israel). He was not
popular among his peers, since he was honest with them about how their sin was a stain on Israel, in God’s eyes. There was nothing they could do to make
themselves clean. Only God could wash away their transgressions and change them
from the inside out. My question is; Why would God want to do that after all
the warnings and chances they had already been given?
Because “Our God Is An Awesome God,” that’s why!
Because “Our God Is An Awesome God,” that’s why!
Jeremiah 30 and 31 fall under the title: Restoration of
Israel. Wow, really? Jeremiah 30:12 “This is what the Lord says: Your wound is
incurable, your injury beyond healing. There is no one to plead your cause, no
remedy for your sore, no healing for you.” Then in Jeremiah 30:18-22 The Lord begins His lead in to the new covenant. God is talking about giving them yet another opportunity.
“This is what the Lord says: I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and
have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins and the
palace will stand in its proper place…..So you will be my people, and I will be
your God.” Is this where the Lord's plan began for Jesus to enter this world?
Again in Jeremiah 31:33 it is said; “This is the covenant I
will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will
put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and
they will be my people.” The Lord was determined then as He is now, to be there
for his people. Forgive
and forget is just what He does. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will
remember their sins no more.” We too have this gift of forgiveness each and every
day. We just need to ask for it.
As God’s people, we find ourselves in situations similar to
Jeremiah as we live His word and share the good news of Christ with others. We also are not popular when we point out sin, suggest repentance, and model
unconditional love. I pray Lord, that we can maintain the strength and
determination of Jeremiah as we are confronted with criticism and ridicule.
Please help us share words of hope and encouragement for those who do not know
you, and fill us with the strength we need to honor your covenant and withstand
the trials of this life.
Read Jeremiah 31
Listen to Jeremiah 31
Listen to "Our God Is An Awesome God" by Rich Mullins
Read Jeremiah 31
Listen to Jeremiah 31
Listen to "Our God Is An Awesome God" by Rich Mullins
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