Jeremiah 31:2-4

 

2 This is what the Lord says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” 3 The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 4 I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful."

 

GOD said this to Jeremiah in a time when the Jews were at their most sinful. They had fallen to worshipping false gods and living in evil so GOD had no choice but to punish them by delivering them into the hands of the Chaldeans. Even though the Israelites has committed grave sins in GOD's sight and turned their backs on every warning GOD gave them, GOD tells them that when they finally repent, HE will forgive and restore them.

 

Again and again, GOD shows HIS patience and love with incredible acts of mercy and forgiveness. Throughout the Old Testament, the theme is consistant. When the Israelites obeyed GOD's word, they were blessed but when they were disobedient, disaster fell on them. So, why would they continuourly turn away from GOD's law? Basically they succumbed to the influences of the world, which had already fallen into the hands of the devil. Take Solomon for instance. He was favored by GOD and the son of GOD's servant, David. He walked in GOD's ways but he also loved women and took many foreign brides, who influenced him to honor their false gods, thus angering the true GOD.

 

We face the same problems today. We know whats right and wrong yet we often succumb to wrong as it holds more immediate satisfaction...or so we think. Hey, we are human and we will give in to our desires at times but through repentence and prayer, we are forgiven.

 

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.” (Isaiah 43:25-26)

 

GOD doesn't dangle salvation in front of us, just out of reach. No, in fact HE keeps lowering the bar to make it easier for us to obtain. Jesus' coming has ultimately made forgiveness well withi our reach. We just have to want it and it's ours.

 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)...It's as simpe as that.