Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Glorious coming of our Lord

Jeremiah 3: 6-22

“Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God.”------- Jeremiah 3: 22
The above-mentioned scripture gives us an insight into the unfaithful days of Israel and Judah that results in the glorious coming of the lord. 
God reminded Jeremiah that the northern kingdom of Israel was deeply idolatrous, yet God still called to them saying,” Return to me.”  Sadly, she did not return.
The kingdom of Judah should have learned from Israel’s idolatry, refusal to repent, and fall. Instead, her treacherous sister Judah did not fear but followed in the footsteps of her sister because adultery mattered so much to her.
It seemed that Judah had learned nothing from the sin and consequences that came upon the northern kingdom of Israel. Whatever repentance they did offer was not from the whole heart, but only in pretense. God knows when repentance is insincere and only for show. There are several reasons as to why Judah’s sin was even worse than Israel
Judah had the example of Israel to learn from, and an advantage that Israel did not have.
Judah was closer to the temple and center of true worship.
Judah had better and more spiritual kings than Israel had.
Judah’s problem was treachery and the pretense of repentance; Israel was more honest in their sin
The backslider Israel is told to come back at the invitation of the lord. The sense seems to be, “Judah has not repented honestly, only in pretense. Perhaps Israel will honestly repent if I invite them.”
God said that He gave Israel a certificate of divorce (Jeremiah 3:8). Yet He says to both Israel and Judah, “I am married to you.” God was willing to ignore the previous divorce (cutting of ties) if they would only return to Him. (He is a kind and a warm-hearted god who looks out for his wayward children. God promised restoration and repatriation for the remnant that would return to Him. He also gives an instructive description of what leaders among God’s people should be.
They should be given by God.
They are given to the people of God for their care and service unto them.
They should be shepherds, caring for the flock of God.
They should be according to God’s heart 
They should feed God’s people with knowledge and understanding.
Jeremiah looks forward to the day- 
When the reality of God’s presence among men surpassed the symbol represented by the ark of the covenant. (the presence of the Lord himself)
When Israel would be the leading nation of the earth with lord enthroned in Jerusalem and the nations of the world coming to give their respect.
Where the people no longer listened to their evil hearts desires but to the lord
Long before, the twelve tribes of Israel split into two competing kingdoms. God here looked forward to the day when Judah and Israel would be together again, and no longer separated by their ancient civil conflict.
The promise of a return to the land is again promised to both Judah and Israel. 
God asked how backsliding Israel and treacherous Judah could receive such a blessing as the restoration to the land. Answering His own question, God pointed to an inner transformation that would take place among His people, despite their past treachery. 
Jeremiah prophetically saw Israel in true repentance, crying out to God from their desolation. Such deep repentance was necessary because they had perverted their way and forgotten the Lord their God.  Jeremiah 3: 21-22 shows the different meanings of backsliding-
It brings desolation 
It is worthy of great mourning 
It may return right from their wayward place.
It is shown in forgetting God 
It is something only children of God can do.
It is a disease to be healed from 
It is corrected by the recognition of having forgotten God 
 

Prayer
Dear God, I thank you that you are a forgiving and faithful God. I cry out to you today and ask that you will forgive me of all my sins, knowingly and unknowingly, that they may be wiped clean. Strengthen my spirit that I will not submit to the desires of my flesh.

Thought for the Day
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, the light will shine.”

Krysalin Alice Ajo
Peroorkada Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church

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