Jeremiah 31
Vs 20 – “Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he my darling child? For as often as I speak against him, I do remember him still. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him, declares the LORD.”
My dad was an incredible man. He often was forced to choose to love me in spite of my behavior. I’m confident that he didn’t always feel like loving me and there were many times that he punished me or let me suffer the consequences of my own decisions. However, I never doubted his love for me. This verse reminds me of my dad – it reminds me of my dad’s love. However, my dad’s love for me pales in comparison to God’s love for his people.
No matter what Israel had done, God chose to love them. His heart yearned for them in the same way that my heart longs to see my children follow the paths I have taught them. This is reassuring to me. When I fail, I can always come back to him. He is the father who will run to meet us as we make our way back to him. Not only will he have mercy, but he yearns to be given the opportunity to give mercy when we find our way back to Him. Friends, let us be quick to repent – quick to return to Him ‘cause we have been given this reassurance that He will “have mercy” on us.
Prayer: LORD, thank you for your love. Thank you for Your word. These passages reveal the tender father that you are. They draw me to You. I need You. I need forgiveness and knowing Your mercy has truly changed my life. I will strive to return to You when I sin. Over the years, I have come to know this love, this forgiveness, this mercy. I am grateful. You are Father and have adopted me as one of your own. Thank you.
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