Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Jeremiah 30:4 (NIV)
“These are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah…”
Jeremiah 30:4 (MSG)
“This is the way God put it to Israel and Judah…”
*************************************************
“Now these are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah..” -AMPLIFIED
“The suffering of God’s people will almost be more than they can bear, but God assures them that it will not last indefinitely.” ~Donald Flemming
As we looked at yesterday’s text, we found the Lord giving hope to the captives. He would restore to them not only their fortunes but restore them to their homeland. God’s Message:
“…for look, the days are coming”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“when I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel and Judah,” says the Lord. “I will restore them to the land I gave to their ancestors and they will possess it.” -Jeremiah 30:3 (CSB)
As we look at today’s short passage, I am reminded that God cares about us and for us. Over the coming days we will come to a greater realization of this Truth.
“So says the Eternal in a message about Israel and Judah.” -(VOICE)
Our text may not be long, but we can learn some relevant facts from it.
1.) This was a Message from the Lord to the people.
“And which God ordered to be written: and those promises, which were written by his order, are as truly his word as the ten commandments, which were written with his finger.” ~Benson Commentary
2.) We find the Lord directing this Message to both Israel and Judah.
“The mention of both kingdoms is another hint that this written prophecy speaks of something later and greater than the return from Babylonian exile.” ~David Guzik
3.) God cares about the people. This may be implied, but we need to grasp this truth. For if He did not care, why would He warn them, why would He have given to them the Words of hope and mercy that follow?
“All the words – i. e., the scroll was to be a summary of whatever of hope and mercy had been contained in previous predictions.” ~Albert Barnes Commentary
Over the coming days we will learn more about the depth of God’s loving care for His people.
“And write this also concerning Israel and Judah…” -(TLB)
“His is a loving, tender hand, full of sympathy and compassion.”- D.L. Moody
My friend, God loves us deeply. He cares for us boundlessly and His tender care is focused on each of us.
“The only love that won’t disappoint you is one that can’t change, that can’t be lost, that is not based on the ups and downs of life or of how well you live. It is something that not even death can take away from you. God’s love is the only thing like that.” ~Tim Keller
Scripture reminds us just how much God truly cares for us:
God is patient with us, compassionate and merciful:
“The Eternal is compassionate and merciful. When we cross all the lines, He is patient with us. When we struggle against Him, He lovingly stays with us—changing, convicting, prodding…” -Psalm 103:8 (VOICE)
God holds us in His strong right hand, whispering words of encouragement to us:
“After all, it is I, the Eternal One your God, who has hold of your right hand, who whispers in your ear, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” -Isaiah 41:13 (VOICE)
God walks with us when we are faced with storms or fires:
“When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm; you will not be engulfed in raging rivers. If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs, keep going; you won’t be burned.” -Isaiah 43:2 (VOICE)
When we are walking through those fires and storms, may we remember this truth, nothing can separate us from God’s love:
“But no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him who loved us. For I have every confidence that nothing—not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing—can come between us and the love of God revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:37-39 (VOICE)
God is standing right over us, championing us, celebrating over us, and singing over us:
“The Eternal your God is standing right here among you, and He is the champion who will rescue you.
He will joyfully celebrate over you; He will rest in His love for you; He will joyfully sing because of you like a new husband.” -Zephaniah 3:17 (VOICE)
“God is completely sovereign. God is infinite in wisdom. God is perfect in love. God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty, He has the power to bring it about.” ~Jerry Bridges
My friend, God cares for each of us deeply. He wants what is best for us. He has good plans in store for each of our lives. Those plans were made even before we were formed in our mother’s womb, and the Lord is working all things out for good. Will you trust His plans? Remember, He has your best interest at heart and He cares deeply for you.
“No matter what storm you face, you need to know that God loves you. He has not abandoned you.” ~Franklin Graham
My Prayer:
Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am so grateful for your loving care. I am thankful that you are Emmanuel, God with me. You walk with me through the storms and the fires. You have promised that nothing can separate me from you or your love. You provide for my every need. In fact, your Word says that you know the very number of hairs on my head. If you take the time to know that mundane detail about me, you truly must love and care about me. Lord, I am so blessed to have you on my side, fighting for me, providing for me, caring for me. May I never take you for granted. You are amazing and I am so blessed to be your child. Thank you, Lord, for caring.
Growing with God 