Day 28
Bible Text: Jeremiah 31:7-9
"'Save your people, O Lord, the remnant of Israel!' For I will bring them... from the distant corners of the earth. I will not forget the blind and lame, the expectant mothers and women in labor. A great company will return! Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s father.”
The people of Israel had been exiled, taken from their own land and deported to another. This was a natural consequence of their rejection of God, their Father, and choosing other “gods” and doing things their own way. But God loved them with a faithful, unfailing love. So he brought them back home again. Notice he brings EVERYONE, even those we’d consider vulnerable or weak? Notice the people’s reaction - tears of joy! Notice how he prepares the way home - beside quiet streams (a constant, fresh, water supply) and on smooth paths, so no one stumbles. This was an historic event that happened to real people.
As significant as this homecoming was for the remnant of Israel then, it’s even more significant to us today, what Jeremiah predicted through Christ’s coming. Through the cross and empty tomb, by placing our trust in Jesus, you and I are considered the “remnant.” You and I are being freed from our adversary (slavery to sin, eternal death and the power of the evil one) and being led “home," back to a close relationship with God now, to be with him forever.
The “new covenant” Jeremiah predicted in chapter 31:31-32 is unfolding NOW, among us. People are coming back from their “exiles” and coming back to God. They are turning away from the “gods” of this age, and putting their trust in Christ Jesus. They are experiencing the “tears of joy,” the “quiet streams,” and “smooth paths” he is providing. Will you let him free you and father you?
Prayer: You are not only Israel’s father, you are my Father. I receive the freedom you are providing for me, freedom from my adversary, and freedom to be in daily relationship with you. Not only me, but would you help each person that is locked up and exiled to experience your freedom. I pray the see the Truth of Jesus. In Jesus’ name.
By Pastor Kevin Schuessler
"'Save your people, O Lord, the remnant of Israel!' For I will bring them... from the distant corners of the earth. I will not forget the blind and lame, the expectant mothers and women in labor. A great company will return! Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s father.”
The people of Israel had been exiled, taken from their own land and deported to another. This was a natural consequence of their rejection of God, their Father, and choosing other “gods” and doing things their own way. But God loved them with a faithful, unfailing love. So he brought them back home again. Notice he brings EVERYONE, even those we’d consider vulnerable or weak? Notice the people’s reaction - tears of joy! Notice how he prepares the way home - beside quiet streams (a constant, fresh, water supply) and on smooth paths, so no one stumbles. This was an historic event that happened to real people.
As significant as this homecoming was for the remnant of Israel then, it’s even more significant to us today, what Jeremiah predicted through Christ’s coming. Through the cross and empty tomb, by placing our trust in Jesus, you and I are considered the “remnant.” You and I are being freed from our adversary (slavery to sin, eternal death and the power of the evil one) and being led “home," back to a close relationship with God now, to be with him forever.
The “new covenant” Jeremiah predicted in chapter 31:31-32 is unfolding NOW, among us. People are coming back from their “exiles” and coming back to God. They are turning away from the “gods” of this age, and putting their trust in Christ Jesus. They are experiencing the “tears of joy,” the “quiet streams,” and “smooth paths” he is providing. Will you let him free you and father you?
Prayer: You are not only Israel’s father, you are my Father. I receive the freedom you are providing for me, freedom from my adversary, and freedom to be in daily relationship with you. Not only me, but would you help each person that is locked up and exiled to experience your freedom. I pray the see the Truth of Jesus. In Jesus’ name.
By Pastor Kevin Schuessler
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