July 3, 2021
What does it say?
God sent another message reprimanding the sins of His people. This time, He offered them mercy if they would truly abandon their wicked ways and commit to Him.
What does it mean?
God’s covenant relationship with His people is pictured as a marriage. The Lord was the husband, the One to whom their highest commitment was due. But Israel and Judah committed spiritual adultery by abandoning worship of the Lord for idols. Judah even paid lip serve to God while flaunting her unfaithfulness. Yet in His love for them, God extended an offer of mercy, urging them to genuinely cast aside everything that kept them from fully committing to Him. Continued disobedience would bring His wrath, but because He keeps His covenant, He declared, “I will choose you.”
How should I respond?
We wouldn’t casually accept even occasional unfaithfulness in our marriages. Well, God sets the same standard for His people, the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27.) Because of His unchanging affection, you never have to worry that He will abandon you. In return, God wants your wandering heart to be transformed by His love, resulting in full devotion to Him. What is your level of commitment to Christ? Do you have a covenant relationship with the Lord? If you say you love Him, make sure your choices don’t prove otherwise. Sincerely ask God to renew your heart to be faithful in loving Him above all.