“They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would that land not be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return to Me, says the Lord.” [1]
What happened to devotion?
God’s people were all over the map in regards to their beliefs. He compared them to a “harlot with many lovers.” He points out that He would suffer pollution to take them back. “Yet return to Me.” He loves them so much that He is willing to embrace them once again.
“Therefore, the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth? [2]
Their behavior towards the Creator negatively affected creation. As goes their relationship with God so goes their circumstances – dry. Despite their unfaithfulness, He urged them to cry out to Him. Cry, “My Father.” Appreciate His guidance! He is the faithful lover of their souls.
“’Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” [3]
Despite their unfaithfulness, the Lord proclaims that He is still married to them. He offers them incentives. If they return to Him, He will give them shepherds who have His heart. These shepherds will feed them with knowledge and understanding of Him.
God urges them, “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.”
They reply, “Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for remaining faithful to us despite our failures towards You. Please do feed us with knowledge and understanding of You. We do not want You to suffer in this relationship. Thank You for giving us shepherds who have Your heart. Thank You for teaching us to love You even as You love us. In the Name of Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.”
[1] Jeremiah 3:1
[2] Jeremiah 3:3-4
[3] Jeremiah 3:14-15
[4] Jeremiah 3:22
Our Heavenly Father wants to love us and be loved by us. He wants us to be with Him forever. Be mindful of this as you read the prophets.
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