The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
Jeremiah shares these words of comfort with the exiled remnant of the nation of Israel. Because of sin and disobedience, the Babylonians carried the Israelites into captivity. Jeremiah’s words come from a dream in which God promises to restore his people to their land and good standing with him.
The bible tells us that God corrects everyone he loves. Discipline is caring, just as love is caring. Our righteous father does not want his sons and daughters to live in sin and depravity. There are consequences to disobedience to the will of God. This is as true for today’s Christians as it was for the nation of Israel in ancient times.
The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves
The Old Testament tells us why God corrects his people in Proverbs 3:12 saying, “because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. NIV” In the New Testament, Paul references this proverb in Hebrews 12:5-5 which reads, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives. WEB”
With Unfailing Kindness
Because of their idolatry and disobedience to God, the Israelites endured the pain of captivity in Babylon. However, God heard their cries and knew the repentance in their hearts. And so, the Lord gave Jeremiah a dream and commanded him to record it. The words, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness,” precede God’s promise to restore his people. The passage gives the remnant the promise and confidence of a better future. They knew his justice, but also, they knew God’s faithfulness and love.
Like the prodigal son in the parable of Jesus, though in a distant land because of corruption, the remnant of Israel remembered the provision and love of the father they had forsaken. Through the pain of separation and discipline of the father, Israel repented of its sins and received the promise of restoration.
There are consequences to living a sinful life, but as we read in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. WEB” Loved with an everlasting love by the Creator of the universe, when we turn from sin and toward our heavenly father, restoration comes by the grace and goodness of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your everlasting love. Thank you for your forgiveness. Give me wisdom and strength to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: God’s Chosen Ones
