January 3 - Hunter Atkins
Jeremiah 31:7-14
This is what the Lord says:
“Sing with joy for Jacob;
shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say,
‘Lord, save your people,
the remnant of Israel.’
See, I will bring them from the land of the north
and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame,
expectant mothers and women in labor;
a great throng will return.
They will come with weeping;
they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel’s father,
and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
“Hear the word of the Lord, you nations;
proclaim it in distant coastlands:
‘He who scattered Israel will gather them
and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
For the Lord will deliver Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—
the grain, the new wine and the olive oil,
the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,
and they will sorrow no more.
Then young women will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,”
declares the Lord.
The heading under my Bible when I read this chapter was ‘God’s Love Lasts Forever.’ Jeremiah was written while the nation of Israel was going through a major period of persecution from the Babylonians while the kingdom was split into Israel and Judah. God’s people were going through it big time! They disobeyed Him and committed terrible acts. The Babylonians were punishing them. However, God DECLARES that He will redeem them from the hand that is stronger than they (verse 11). This tells us that no matter what we are going through, God’s promises are always true. With a whole new year coming up and lots of busyness and other mumbo jumbo, always remember that the treasure and love God has for you is greater than anything this world can offer!
God, thank you for your power and majesty. For making us your people and giving us hope that you have overcome the world. Please give us the faith to lean into that covenant you have made with us and share the good news with those around us. We love you Lord, and we thank you for being our Father. In Christ’s name. Amen.