By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 3:1-6
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Scripture Quote: “In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance. I myself said, "'How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.' I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me. But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me," declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 3:18-20 (NIV)
The Bible teaches that if a woman were divorced and remarried, the first husband could never take her back as his own. Israel had been married to the Lord, joined in solemn covenant to him to worship and serve him only, but she became idolatrous. She committed idolatry in the form of spiritual abandonment. But even though the law taught that Israel would be lost to Christ, her first husband, there is no law that could ever control Him. Jesus chose to show His mercy. He was willing to receive this adulterous spouse once again. She needed only to abandon her other idols and return her heart to Him.
We can see ourselves in these sinful people’s behavior. Do you have anything tempting you away from worshipping God? His tender mercy is offering to receive you again into favor. Our Father loves us more than we understand. We need only let Him be the center of our life.
Today’s meditation: Return all your affection to our Almighty God.
Memory Verse: "Return, faithless people," declares the LORD, "for I am your husband…” Jeremiah 3:14a
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