Saturday, February 25th 2017
I WILL RESTORE YOU
key verse: 17
Starting from chapter 30, Jeremiah prophesizes about Israel's restoration. It is a time of joy and glory. The years of trial are ending and new days are coming.
1. I cannot acquit you (1-11)
The Lord not only makes Jeremiah speak, he has him write all the words in a book. Thus, the hope of restoration will flow from generation to generation and not be forgotten. Before the return of the Jews, there were gread labor pains, like a woman giving birth (6). Fear and anguish have seized Jacob, yet he will come out innocent. The surrounding peoples will serve the God of Israel. God promises he will be with them, so there is no reason to tremble. God punished the people, for He is God and he cannot acquit those who are false. He judges them according to his righteousness, but fondamentally, he loves his people. It's what makes them different from others; only, he cannot acquit them. After a period of trials, when the people have repented, he will bring them back (11).
2. I will restore you (12-24)
For a while, Jacob is abandoned and forgotten by others due to its sins, but the Lord's judgement day will certainly arrive. Those who have pillaged will receive back the same. God has decided to restore his people and his will cannot be changed. They will return and be as they were before. Songs of joy will be heard again, princes will come from them, and God will be their God. He does not fall away until his will is accomplished (24).
Prayer: Lord, you punish me because you are God. Yet, I rejoice since it is for my good and so that I would be a part of your people that you have made.
Bottom line: yes, you did not acquit me (11)
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