November 14, 2022 – Monday
Even More on Repentance
Jeremiah 31:18-19 NIV
18 “I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the Lord my God.
19 After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
Comment
These two verses and the one that follows could be the foundation of Jesus’ teaching on the two sons which we know of as the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. But here in Jeremiah there is only one son, rather one people, the tribe of Ephraim representing all of Israel.
If you recall the Father’s reaction of the return of the repentant son, is was one of joy and celebration, Luke 15:20, [W]hile he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Compare that to the very next verse in Jeremiah 31:20, 20 Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight?
Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the Lord. The character of God is revealed once as having great compassion and mercy for those, individuals and nations, who repent.
In verse 20, we find the reason for Jesus coming to us in the flesh when we read of God, my heart yearns for him, God yearns for us to return to Him. This is clearly expressed in Romans 5:8-9, 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! And in Hebrews 5:8-9 as well, 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Centuries prior Jesus was prophesied for His purpose in Isaiah 53. Using only three of the verses therein, we can easily see that, 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Through Him and Him alone, we are able to find our way home to our Father in Heaven.
Bottom Line: No matter our sin, there is always God’s compassion and mercy available to us if we will but repent and accept what Jesus has done for us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your mercy, compassion, and patience are beyond our understanding, yet we are so grateful to be recipients of them as expressions of Your amazing love for us. Thank You more than words can express. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek