Today’s passage: Jeremiah 3:6-25
Helpful thoughts:
- In this illustration of marriage, Israel had left her groom (God) for false gods made of stone and wood. This is spiritual adultery.
- God hates divorce, but according to the Old Testament law, it could be seen an act of mercy when adultery is involved (Leviticus 20:10, Matthew 5:32).
- God is merciful and calls for the repentance of Israel. But, reconciliation was only possible if Israel confessed and repented (Verse 13).
- Their repentance is guaranteed (In God’s sovereignty) and depicted in the latter portion of the chapter.
- Verses 16 and 17 teach us that this time of Israel’s repentance will be after the second coming of Christ. They will not speak of the Ark (Where God’s presence resided) anymore because God will be with His people.
Questions to consider:
- How does the illustration of marriage help us to understand marriage in this life and how does it help us to understand our relationship with God? How does sin in marriage and the reality of divorce in this world make it harder? What kind of “husband” is the Lord?
- Why is the first portion of verse 13 so important in helping us know how to be reconciled together? When have we truly made peace with others? If two people are at odds with each other, how many of them have to be involved to truly make things right?
- In order for Israel to return and be healed (Verse 22), what has to happen to their hearts (End of verse 17)? What would Israel (And all of us) continue to do if God had not intervened graciously in our lives?