“‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers, yet return to Me,” says the Lord.” ~ Jeremiah 3:1
REFERENCE:
Jeremiah uses striking imagery in our main text to describe backslidden Israel. Israel was not only backslidden; they shamelessly went after idols and polluted every mountain with shrines and groves to their gods. God likened Israel’s error to adultery – lying with strange men on strange beds. A man whose wife commits such adultery will divorce her, and God did divorce Israel, but He still desired her. Contrary to what is typical of human nature, He asked her to return.
This act of adultery polluted God’s holy people and chosen land. It grieved God that although they had sinned and turned from Him, they felt no shame. Therefore, the rain was withheld from the land, plunging them into times of famine and lack; yet, Israel did not seek God. It was a great puzzle to God. Although He would forgive and accept them, they did not seek Him.
The picture painted by the prophet speaks to us today. If you have become unfaithful in your commitment to God or turned to sin, left the family of God, and gone back to the sins you once left, God says, “Come back; I still want you.” Just as Israel was divorced but desired, God’s hands are open to receive you back. That is God; He never gives up on backsliders.
The backslidden state, just like sin, can be fun. Israel had many lovers, worshipped at different sites, and enjoyed the harlot’s pay. Backsliding gives a false sense of freedom – you don’t have to wake up and pray, read the bible, go to church, be accountable to the saints, etc. You can now do many things you feel God has denied you – illicit sex, getting drunk, hanging out with ‘Arabians and Amalekites,’ etc. The only thing is that sin comes at a cost; satan ensures that.
If you have backslidden, know that God still loves you. Though you are divorced from Him, He still desires you; He wants you back in the place of prayer, bible study, fellowship, service, etc. Don’t let the devil deceive you that God no longer cares about you; He does. Whatever satan offers you now will eventually fade away. True love and life are only in Christ. He wants you back.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Jeremiah 3:22-23, Hosea 2:6-8, Luke 15:17-24
PRAYER:
+ Lord, heal my heart of every strange affection and purge every desire for forbidden pleasure.
+ I repent of every backsliding in my heart and return wholeheartedly to you, in Jesus’ name.
+ I refuse to let satan deceive and distract me from my devotion and service to You, O Lord.
