Saturday, June 8, 2013
TEXT: JEREMIAH 3:6-13
Key Verse: “Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever” (Jeremiah 3:12).
The World Health Organization (WHO) spends large amounts of money to combat deadly diseases and reduce mortality in many countries. Despite the huge progress made so far, many people still die of killer diseases because of ignorance and unwillingness to heed necessary instructions.
Jeremiah, a prophet of God unto the nations, addressed the backsliding nature of the children of Israel and Judah. He prescribed repentance as necessary spiritual medication for healthy relationship with God. Their perpetual backsliding was a thing of grief to God. In a lamentable tone, the prophet said, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? (Jeremiah 2:21). Jeremiah likens God’s relationship with Israel to that of an innocent godly husband who will not let go his wayward and adulterous wife.
Sin attracts heavy consequences of both temporal and eternal regret, yet many people still relish in their sinful ways. The only remedy for a sick and dying soul is repentance towards God. To enjoy God’s best and claim His promises, broken relationships with Him must be restored through genuine repentance. Repentance is a change of mind leading to a change of life. It is a complete turnaround with deep contrition and humility.
Repentance from sin and backsliding immunes the soul from eternal death and separation from God. Where do you stand?
The World Health Organization (WHO) spends large amounts of money to combat deadly diseases and reduce mortality in many countries. Despite the huge progress made so far, many people still die of killer diseases because of ignorance and unwillingness to heed necessary instructions.
Jeremiah, a prophet of God unto the nations, addressed the backsliding nature of the children of Israel and Judah. He prescribed repentance as necessary spiritual medication for healthy relationship with God. Their perpetual backsliding was a thing of grief to God. In a lamentable tone, the prophet said, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? (Jeremiah 2:21). Jeremiah likens God’s relationship with Israel to that of an innocent godly husband who will not let go his wayward and adulterous wife.
Sin attracts heavy consequences of both temporal and eternal regret, yet many people still relish in their sinful ways. The only remedy for a sick and dying soul is repentance towards God. To enjoy God’s best and claim His promises, broken relationships with Him must be restored through genuine repentance. Repentance is a change of mind leading to a change of life. It is a complete turnaround with deep contrition and humility.
Repentance from sin and backsliding immunes the soul from eternal death and separation from God. Where do you stand?
Thought for the Day: Repentance is sure immunization against eternal death.
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