18.) December 16, 2020 Jeremiah Jeremiah 31:8-9,14
Look! I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the earth, the blind and the lame in their midst, pregnant women, together with those in labor—an immense throng—they shall return. With weeping they shall come, but with compassion I will guide them; I will lead them to streams of water, on a level road, without stumbling. For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my firstborn.I will lavish choice portions on the priests, and my people shall be filled with my blessings—oracle of the LORD.
(Jeremiah was another major prophet. He called for Jacob (Israel) to turn from idolatry and spoke of God ransoming his people)
Though young, I warned the Israelites. I warned them that the consequences of their turning away from God would be dire. I begged them and the leaders to return to worship of God. I promised that God would remember them even in exile, but they must remain faithful. I suffered for my prophecy—I fled for my life to a foreign land. I gave them a map. I showed them the way to salvation. But my words went unheeded, so Jerusalem fell, and they were captured. Actions have consequences. Yet all can be forgiven. “Return to God,” I still call down the centuries. Thought: Can I turn away from my daily idols and return to God?