READING: Jeremiah 29-31, Titus 1-3
It’s one of the more clear portrayals of repentance and return that I have seen in the Bible. God was promising to bring His people back from exile (though they were to settle down in Babylon, where they were going to stay awhile), but His keeping His promise would correspond with the people turning from their wrong. Ephraim (that is, Israel) would come to their spiritual senses: “You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the Lord my God. After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth” (Jer 31:18).
You can just hear the deep recognition of sinfulness, the heartfelt nature of the sorrow, and the grateful recognition of the “Lord my God.” Their repentance included seeing their sin as God saw it, admitting it without compromise or rationalization, and turning from it fully. Why, then, did God receive them back? Because He is a covenant-keeping God who keeps His hand on His people. Though God had judged them for their rebellion, Israel was still His son, the people in whom He took delight. His compassion for them exceeded their rebellion against Him.
This same God calls us to repentance—and welcomes us back when we return. He is a good, good God!
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for second beginnings. Your grace is amazing.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Admit your sin today, and trust God to forgive you and receive you.
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 32-34, Philemon
