This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, July 01, 2007, and was taken from Jeremiah 2:1-3:5.
A store sign noticed in while on mission trip in Phoenix: The Divorce Store. How casual we have become about the whole notion of divorce. Marriage is not a contract, it is a covenant. God, in the text before us describes his relationship with His people as a marriage covenant. Listen carefully to the charges brought against the nation of Juda. This message of judgement also contains a message of life and hope. The love and grace of God is demonstrated in many ways, but in this passage, in his persuing his wayward, dissobedient people. The message of God’s judgement contains a compassionate righteousness. He is long suffering and patient with rebellious folk like you and me.
three devastating truths and one glorious promise
- Jer. 2:1-9: Israel arrogantly willfully turned its back on God’s generous offer of grace. Our relationship with God is not a mere matter of obedience. We are called to be obedient, but we are called to enter into a love relationship, such as is described in a marriage. Biblical faith is a matter of passion and devotion. God has been a faithful husband in all of this, yet Israel has gone after other lovers.
- Jer. 2:10-31: Israel spiraled into a life of spiritual depravity, and foolish corruption by serving false gods.
- Jer. 2:32 ff.: This turning from God resulted in hardness of hart that refused to acknowledge any wrong, thus preventing any possibility of return.
- Jer. 3:14: Though he has every right to reject ultimately his people, “Return” God says. God offers to restore Israel to passion and purity. That is the word He gives to you today: “Return”.