Day 211: Chronological Bible in One Year
Devotional:
The prophet Jeremiah continues to carry the burden of God’s heart—a sorrowful cry over a nation steeped in rebellion. In Jeremiah 2:23-37, the Lord exposes the deceit of Judah. Like a wild animal in heat, they chased after foreign gods, refusing correction and justification. The people denied guilt even when their sins were openly evident. God asks them: “Why do you gad about so much to change thy way?”—a question that pierces to the core of our restless, wandering hearts.
Jeremiah 3 shifts the tone from rebuke to mercy. Despite the nation's spiritual adultery, God declares: “Return to Me.” Like a husband yearning for an unfaithful wife, He pleads with Israel and Judah to come back—not with words only, but with genuine repentance. He promises healing, restoration, and shepherds who will feed them with knowledge and understanding.
Jeremiah 4 intensifies the urgency: “If thou wilt return… then shalt thou not remove.” God calls His people to break up their fallow ground—to remove hardness of heart and prepare for a renewed relationship with Him. Without sincere change, judgment would come like a scorching wind, devastating everything in its path.
By Jeremiah 5:1-19, we see the deep spiritual bankruptcy of the land. God tells Jeremiah to search for just one righteous person who seeks truth—yet even the common and the noble alike have turned away. The people have eyes but see not, ears but hear not. Their refusal to repent will lead to foreign invasion and destruction.
This is a sobering portion of Scripture. Yet within it, a thread of God’s unwavering mercy runs strong. His justice is real, but so is His deep longing to restore His people. The call is clear: Return wholeheartedly, for He is merciful and ready to receive you.
God still calls us today to return—not halfway, not with lip service, but with broken and contrite hearts. He longs to forgive, heal, and make us whole.
Prayer:
Merciful Father, we return to You with sincere hearts. Forgive our wanderings and cleanse our stubborn ways. Soften our hearts to receive Your truth. Plant righteousness within us and help us walk in obedience and love. Thank You for Your mercy that calls us back again and again. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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