Friday, June 28, 2013
TEXT: JEREMIAH 3:20-25
Key Verse : “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel” (Jeremiah 3:22,23).
Over the ages, the Almighty God had always stretched forth His hand to sinful man with a view to redeeming him. It is amazing to know the extent to which God often goes, in every age, to bring back man from his degenerate state. Those who get lost eventually are those who reject the knowledge of His truth.
God’s call to Israel to return from their backsliding was greeted with a noble response: “Behold, we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God.” This spontaneous response came against the backdrop of terror, resulting from the untold sufferings which plagued Israel for generations past, all because they forsook their God and went into idolatry.
Suffering has its uses too. It breaks the hardened soil of indifference and obstinacy and prepares the heart of the impenitent for the word of God. Sin brings shame; it devours one’s dignity, wealth and leaves its victim guilt-stricken.
Today, many who are terrified by the oppression, poverty, violence and premature deaths they see are turning to God. If you find that you have backslidden or deviated from the path of righteousness, God is eagerly waiting to receive you back to Himself. Israel gained nothing remaining outside the will of God but defeat, shame and frustration. You do not need to learn by hard personal experience the destructive results of sin. Be sure you give the noble response today.
Thought for the Day : He who promptly responds to his Maker’s call is wise.
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