Bible Pathway - August 22
Read Jeremiah 29 – 31
Highlights:
Like the Israelites, God knows exactly where He is taking us and we're not to worry about the path He has us take to get there (29:11, 28; 30:1-11, 18-22). Get ready – God turns mourning into dancing and sadness into joy (31:13). We are under a new covenant (31:27-40).
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee (Jer. 31:3).
From the very beginning in the Book of Genesis, to the ending in the Book of Revelation, the Word of God demonstrates the main unrelenting passion of the Lord. That passion is the Lord's deep desire to see all of mankind live in an intimate relationship with Him. In Jeremiah 31:3, the Lord tells His people that He loves them with an unending love. It is with His love that He draws mankind to Him.
This Scripture is a beautiful portrayal of the depth of the Lord’s love that is given to us. It is God’s passion to draw us into His presence. It is God's master plan to have this intimate fellowship with mankind. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the LORD, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thes. 2:13).
God created man as His child. There was a time when God communed with man daily. There truly existed the relationship of a Father with His son. However, it did not last because man sinned and placed a rift in his relationship with God. This sin of man was a generational curse that would be passed down to every human that would come after Adam and Eve. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come (Rom. 5:14).
Since that time, every move of God has been designed to bring restoration to His Father and child relationship with man. During the time of the Old Testament, God instituted the practice of sacrifices to cover man's sins. The time finally came in the New Testament for Christ to come and sacrifice His life, allowing man to finally be restored to his relationship with God. Once again, we could truly be called the sons and daughters of God. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will (Eph. 1:5).
Man has given God plenty of reasons to give up on us. The nation of Israel, God's chosen people, turned from God time after time. They went through a continual loop of turning to false gods and then repenting and turning back to God. Even now, many who have accepted Christ as their personal savior at times turn to open sin, violating the law of God.
The love of God is so much bigger than anything mankind can do, but this is not to say the Lord will overlook sin. He does not do that. However, He will spare no expense in trying to draw us to repentance.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me (Acts 26:18).
Thought for Today:
It is better to be an encourager than be a discourager.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who forgives sin (Jer. 31:34). That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power (authority) on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go (Matt. 9:6; comp. John 8:10-11).
Word Studies:
29:11 an expected end, a hopeful future; 29:23 have committed villany, have done disgraceful things; 30:21 engaged, pledged; 31:14 satiate, fully satisfy; 31:21 high heaps, road signs (pointing back to Israel).
Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your hands in surrender and praise as you pray (Ps. 63:4).
Optional Reading: 1 John 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 90:4
