Monday, March 14, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Isaiah 43-44
SCRIPTURE READING
Jer 2:2 This is what the LORD says: “I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness, through a land not sown.”
Jer 3:14 “Return, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; “for I am married to you. I will take you…and I will bring you to Zion.” (NKJV)
Jeremiah began His ministry with a bridal paradigm of God’s Kingdom. His first prophesy was during the reign of King Josiah under whom Israel had their last revival before the Babylonian captivity (2 Chron 34-35; 2 Kings 22-23). Josiah’s revival was influenced by Jeremiah’s first sermon calling Israel to remember that they were betrothed to God (Jer 2:2).
In the above verses, God is once again introducing to the Israelites the bridal paradigm. He speaks of their former devotion – the Hebrew word refers to the most intimate degree of loyalty, love and faithfulness that can exist between two people or between an individual and the Lord. Early in her history, Israel had enjoyed a close relationship with the Lord and God is calling them back to this type of relationship. As we read these Scriptures, we can imagine God calling us to that sort of relationship. Israel’s history was a bit rocky, they had forsaken God in the past, but God still called them into a loving and close relationship with them and He is doing the same for you.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Have you experienced ups and downs in your relationship with God, similar to Israel? Meditate on how God constantly called them back into relationship with Him. How has God done this in your life?
2. Praise God for His commitment to you, in spite of your own immaturity and rebellion (at times), He still invites you into relationship with Him! What a great God!
3. Ask God to give you a picture of what your life will look like in five years if you heed the call to return wholeheartedly to Him. Thank Him for any words, thoughts or pictures that He gives you.
