Chapter 716 of 1163

JEREMIAH 4

Over forty times in his book, Jeremiah calls for God’s people to return to the Lord. To describe what that is like, he uses several images.

It is like plowing (vv. 1–3). Hard hearts need plowing up so they can receive the seed of the Word and bear fruit.

It is like performing surgery (v. 4). The Jews put their confidence in external religious ritual and did not let God operate on their hearts (Deut. 10:12–16; 30:6; Rom. 2:28–29). He wants truth deep within the heart (Ps. 51:6).

It is like joining the army (vv. 5–6, 19–21). The backslider is serving the enemy; but then he hears the trumpet call, realizes he is a traitor, and returns to obey his commander.

It is like taking a bath (v. 14). When we confess our sins, God cleanses us (1 John 1:9) and gives us a new beginning (Ps. 51:1–2, 10–11).

It is like growing up (v. 22). Believers should be childlike but not childish (Matt. 11:16–17). Backsliders are foolish, like disobedient children who are only hurting themselves.

No wonder God repeatedly calls to His backslidden people, “Return! Return!”

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