Good morning. The history of Israel as the people of God is a tumultuous one. They were blessed, they were empowered and protected, and they were lifted up among the nations of the earth. All of this was the gift of God, the God of creation, the One God of truth who had told them that as long as they would listen and do what they were told to do, blessings would be theirs. They were told that God would be as their Father, and that they would be as favored children. And they blew it.
Again and again, the people of God’s intention, the people of God’s promise, despised Him. They rebelled against Him. They followed after and worshipped false gods, even engaging in Satan worship. There came a point where God told them that He had seen enough. He told them that He would withdraw His hand of blessing and protection, and that they would be handed over to an invading army, the Babylonians. God tells His people of His intentions for Jerusalem in Jeremiah 33:5 , “I will hide my face from this city because of all its wickedness.”
But the wrath of God serves for correction not for eternal vengeance. God, in the depth of His love, isn’t finished with them. We read on in Jeremiah 33:6-9 “‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before.I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’”
What a wonder is the love of God. Even when His people are horrible and unfaithful, His faithfulness for us never wavers or fails. God will allow the consequences for our actions to be felt, but that is to ensure their purpose for correction. When that work is done, He will call us home to Himself.
We celebrated Easter Sunday yesterday and there is a message we must always remember: God’s love is greater. It is greater than our failure, greater than our betrayal, greater than our denial, greater than our stubbornness, greater than our death. God’s love is greater, and He does save.
Vern