Jeremiah 3
-The pollution of the harlotry
image as an indication of idolatry dominates the theme of the verses in this
chapter. Divorce and unfaithfulness is definitely NOT what the LORD desires
from His people, yet they have turned away from His covenant of love and
protection. God has attempted to bring them back with natural withholdings of
rain, yet they refused to be ashamed and repent (Jeremiah 3:3). Judah has had
its own way and not God’s plan (Jeremiah 3:5). Because of the rebellion in spite
of her observation as to the punishment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel when
they transgressed, the land of Judah is polluted with every despicable evil in
the sight of God. God’s desire was for them to return to Him with all their
heart, but they did it with deception (Jeremiah 3:6-10).
-Even faithless Israel in her
idolatry has now proven to be more righteous than treacherous Judah (Jeremiah
3:11). The Father shows His compassion when a change of heart is made away from
iniquity to believing in His redemption. He promises to the repentant in the
north that He will not look upon them in anger, be gracious, be a Master to
them, and bring them back to Zion if they will only turn to Him in faith
(Jeremiah 3:12-14). God’s desire is shepherd them from His holy Temple and give
them shepherds to lead them after His own heart to give them knowledge and
understanding, increase and multiplication. This will be for all the nations
“in those days” and “at that time” given as a futuristic prophecy of promise. This
is when they will no longer “walk anymore after the stubbornness of their evil
heart (Jeremiah 3:15-18).” God cries out for His beloved in an effort to draw
them to Himself and make things pure and right. His desire is to give them His
best among His sons in a pleasant land as their Father, but alas they departed
as a wayward whore dealing treacherously with their true Husband perverting
their way and forgetting the LORD their God (Jeremiah 3:19-21). Still God
reaches out and begs them to return in faith for healing and restoration. The
righteous will come to the LORD not relying on the fortress hills, which are a
deception. Only God is the true salvation of Israel (Jeremiah 3:22-23). The
shameful rejection of their God has haunted this people since their earliest
stages, which has now ultimately shamed them and humiliated them for they have
sinned against LORD their God in disobedience to His Voice (Jeremiah 3:24-25).
*Application* It is so easy to drift away from the goodness and righteousness
of our Great God and Savior. He desperately wants our wholehearted devotion,
yet we compromise and play the idolater in so many instances. Resolve to stay
focused on what great things God has for you when you keep believing and
trusting in Him alone! If we lose sight of this as His people we will be shamed
and humiliated as a means of correction, count on it.
Verses to Memorize: Jeremiah 3:15, 17
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