Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Jeremiah 31:1 (NIV)
“At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:1 (MSG)
“And when that happens”—God’s Decree—“it will be plain as the sun at high noon: I’ll be the God of every man, woman, and child in Israel and they shall be my very own people.”
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“At that time,” says the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” -AMPLIFIED
“Back to the Beginning. In God’s promise of restoration to Israel, He twice refers back to the original promise of the covenant relationship; He will be their God and they will be His people. When God redeems Israel, He does so by bringing them back to the original relationship.” ~Melissa Beaty
As we closed out Jeremiah, chapter 30, we were reminded that God would accomplish His purposes.
“The Lord’s burning anger will not turn back until he has completely fulfilled the purposes of his heart.
In time to come you will understand it.” -Jeremiah 30:24 (CSB)
And as we begin Jeremiah, chapter 31, we are reminded that God has good intentions for and towards Israel:
“This is what the Eternal has to say: Eternal One: There will come a time when I will be the God of all the clans and families of Israel, and they will be My people.” -(VOICE)
Jeremiah identifies the fact that this promise comes directly from Adonai, the Lord and Master. Keep in mind as well that the final verses of the previous chapter identify this promise would happen in the latter days.
Adonai‘s promise to His people: “At that time I will be God of all Israel’s family groups. And they will be my people.” -(ICB)
This was always God’s intention, His plan. Israel would be His people, and He would be their God. Back in the book of Leviticus, God made this promise to Israel:
“I will make my home among you and never turn away from you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. I am the Eternal One, your God, who led you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be their slaves. I have shattered the yokes that broke your backs and helped you walk straight and upright.” -Leviticus 26:11-13 (VOICE)
But because of their sin, their disobedience, the fact that their rebellious hearts chased after other gods, which God knew would happen, the fulfillment of His promise and plan would come about at a later time. God knew this would happen; He expected it. Be mindful of the fact, there are no surprises for God. He was there in the Beginning and He will be there in the End.
Remember what God’s expectations were from them: “I wanted them to trust Me and obey My voice. In those early days, I told them, “I will be your God, and you will be My people. Follow Me every step of the way into a life that is good.” -Jeremiah 7:23 (VOICE)
Though Israel did not uphold their part of the contract, God did.
“At that time, says the Lord, all the families of Israel shall recognize me as the Lord; they shall act like my people.” -(TLB)
“At that future time, namely, the eschatological future, the Lord would establish an intimate relationship between Himself and all the families of His people. He would finally achieve what His people had always frustrated by their sins.” ~Thomas Constable
David reminds us that God’s intentions and thoughts towards us are loving and tender.
“You have done so many wonderful things, had so many tender thoughts toward us, Eternal my God, that go on and on, ever increasing. Who can compare with You?” -Psalm 40:5 (VOICE)
Remember this promise God gave to Israel; it applies to all God’s children:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)
But mankind has a tendency to make their plans without consulting The Great Planner. And to those people the Word of God gives this reminder:
Eternal One: “My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do. My thoughts and My ways are above and beyond you, just as heaven is far from your reach here on earth. For as rain and snow can’t go back once they’ve fallen, but soak into the ground and nourish the plants that grow, providing seed to the farmer and bread for the hungry, So it is when I declare something. My word will go out and not return to Me empty, but it will do what I wanted; it will accomplish what I determined.” -Isaiah 55:8-11 (VOICE)
What are God’s intentions for mankind? It was, and continues to be this:
“Visualize this: His blood freely flowing down the cross, setting us free! We are forgiven for our sinful ways by the richness of His grace, which He has poured all over us. With all wisdom and insight, He has enlightened us to the great mystery at the center of His will. With immense pleasure, He laid out His intentions through Jesus, a plan that will climax when the time is right as He returns to create order and unity—both in heaven and on earth—when all things are brought together under the Anointed’s royal rule. In Him we stand to inherit even more. As His heirs, we are predestined to play a key role in His unfolding purpose that is energizing everything to conform to His will. As a result, we—the first to place our hope in the Anointed One—will live in a way to bring Him glory and praise. Because you, too, have heard the word of truth—the good news of your salvation—and because you believed in the One who is truth, your lives are marked with His seal. This is none other than the Holy Spirit who was promised as the guarantee toward the inheritance we are to receive when He frees and rescues all who belong to Him. To God be all praise and glory!” -Ephesians 1:7-14 (VOICE)
“Everything that God allows to happen in your life is permitted for one great, eternal purpose: to conform your character to the image of Christ. It is for your growth and God’s glory, and it is a plan guaranteed to succeed. It will be completed when you get to heaven.” ~Rick Warren
My friend, God’s intentions towards you are tender and for your good, they always have been. He wants to give us a hope and a future, but that future must include Him. He wants our willing obedience. He wants us to trust His plans. Are you willing?
“God’s plan and His ways of working out His plan are frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust when we don’t understand.” ~Jerry Bridges
My Prayer:
Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am reminded once again that your intentions for me, your plans, they are for good, not evil. Sometimes I lose sight of that fact. I have a tendency to focus on the storms of my life, and I take my eyes off of you, the Great “I AM”, the Beginning and the End, the Faithful One. Please forgive me. You have always been faithful, and you have always kept your Word. Help me to always remember that you are at work behind the scenes, and even in the Valley of the Shadow of Death you are with me, leading me, guiding me, bringing me to rich green fields, and quiet, still waters. I know I can trust you. I am willing to trust your plan for my life. Help my trust grow stronger please. Thank you, Lord.
Growing with God 