God Never Gives Up on Us – Jeremiah 31:37

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:37 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord says: “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 31:37 (MSG)

“God’s Message: “If the skies could be measured with a yardstick and the earth explored to its core, then and only then would I turn my back on Israel, disgusted with all they’ve done.” God’s Decree.”

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“Thus says the Lord, “If the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out below, then I will also cast off and abandon all the descendants of Israel for all that they have done,” says the Lord.” -AMPLIFIED

 “As surely as the heavenly bodies will continue their settled course, according to the will of their Creator, to the end of time, and as the raging sea obeys him, so surely will the Jews be continued a separate people. Words can scarcely set forth more strongly the restoration of Israel. The rebuilding of Jerusalem, and its enlargement and establishment, shall be an earnest of the great things God will do for the gospel church. The personal happiness of every true believer, as well as the future restoration of Israel, is secured by promise, covenant, and oath. This Divine love passes knowledge; and to those who take hold upon it, every present mercy is an earnest of salvation.” ~Matthew Henry

We have been reminded of God’ perfect order in His creation. And yesterday, we were reminded that the Lord in His order of establishing and securing of all things, decreed that Israel would remain a nation forever, for God will never give up on them. God’s Message:

“If this fixed order departs from before me—this is the Lord’s declaration—only then will Israel’s descendants cease to be a nation before me forever.” -Jeremiah 31:26 (CSB)

In today’s passage, we find the Lord reiterating what He has already declared. Jeremiah repeats the Lord’s pronouncement for us:

“This is what the Eternal says: Eternal One: “If the heavens above could ever be measured, or the depths below be fully explored, only then would I disown the children of Israel because of everything they have done.” -(VOICE)

We find Jeremiah clarifying for us that these are the Lord’s words, not his. And the Lord declares this: “There’s only one way I will reject all the descendants of Israel. That is if people can measure the sky above. It is if they can learn the secrets of the earth below. Then I will reject them because of what they have done,” says the Lord.” -(ICB)

The point is this: God may discipline His children, but He would never give up on them.

“Unworthy members of Israel may be cast away, but the race shall never entirely cease to exist.” ~Albert Barnes

The conditions given by the Lord are intended to be an over exaggeration, an unattainable achievement. No person would be able to accurately measure the foundations of the earth. And the Lord would never be able to reject His people. There would always remain a remnant of Israel.

Consider something that Paul wrote to the church in Rome:

“My brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be in the dark about this mystery—I am going to let you in on the plan so that you will not think too highly of yourselves. A part of Israel has been hardened to the good news until the full number of those outside the Jewish family have entered in. This is the way that all of Israel will be saved. As it was written, so it also stands: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will drive away wickedness from Jacob. And this is My covenant promise to them, on the day when I take away their sins. It may seem strange. When it comes to the work of the gospel, the fact that they oppose it is actually for your benefit. But when you factor in God’s election, they are truly loved because they descended from faithful forefathers. You see, when God gives a grace gift and issues a call to a people, He does not change His mind and take it back.” -Romans 11:25-29 (VOICE)

God will never give up on Israel.

“Not until the heavens can be measured and the foundations of the earth explored, will I consider casting them away forever for their sins!”-(TLB)

“It is impossible to conceive that God could state this principle in any stronger way. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have an enduring role in God’s plan of the ages until the end of the age.” ~David Guzik

Knowing that God has not, nor ever will, give up on His people, Israel, should reassure us and increase our faith, for God will never give up on us either.

David reminds us that there may be times that we are experiencing the Lord’s anger and His hand of discipline, but the grace He extends to us last a lifetime. David wrote:

“His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” -Psalm 30:5 (VOICE)

In the book of Lamentations, we find Jeremiah reminding us that God cares for us, and He loves us, and wants to bless us:

“Kept in God’s care:  the Lord won’t reject him forever. Kindness prevails: Even though God torments sometimes, the greatness of God’s loyal love wins out. Keeping us down: it is not the desire or way of God’s heart to hurt and grieve the children of men.” -Lamentations 3:31-33 (VOICE)

The author of Psalm 94 tells us that God will never abandon His people:

The Eternal will not abandon His people; He will not turn away from those He redeemed because justice is coming for those who do what is right and all the good-hearted will pursue it.” -Psalm 94:14-15 (VOICE)

 “God’s love is not wearied by our sins & is relentless in its determination that we be cured at whatever cost to us or Him.” ~C. S. Lewis

The author of Psalm 118 reminds us that God’s love for us never quits. He cannot cease to be who and what He is, loving and kind. (Take the time to read this psalm in its entirety on your own.):

“Give thanks to the Eternal because He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind.” -Psalm 118:1 (VOICE)

Isaiah recorded this Message from the Lord. It was written to Israel, but it also applies to all who call upon the Name of the Lord. It is a promise that we too can hold on to, especially in times of difficulty:

“I have reached to wherever you are in the farthest corners of earth, and the most hidden places therein. I have called to you and said, “You are my servant. I have chosen you, not thrown you away!” So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up.” -Isaiah 41:9-10 (VOICE)

“God’s love is like an ocean. You can see its beginning, but not its end.” ~Rick Warren

My friend, you may have wandered far from the Lord. In fact, He may have needed to discipline you, and may still be disciplining you. But He will never give up on you. He loves you with an everlasting love. He cares about what happens to you. He is doing whatever it takes to turn your heart back to Him. Stop fighting against Him, and accept His guidance and His love.

“God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son.” ~Jerry Bridges

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am so grateful for your love that never gives up on me. That love that is willing to discipline and teach, to guide me in the ways that I should go. The fact that you do whatever is needed to help me walk with you, shows me how much you truly care. I am so blessed by the extent of your love, your goodness, your mercy, and your grace. At times I am overwhelmed as I realize how deep your love for me is, help me to always remember the magnitude of your love, even when I am experiencing your hand of discipline. Because even the discipline you give is done out of love. You are so good to me, Lord. I am blessed to be called a child of the Most High.