Wed.’s Devo - Turn Back

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20
God spoke against the rebellious people of Judah. They had complained about Israel’s idolatry and now they had invited idolatry into their land. They went after evil and chose it blatantly. They had repented with their mouths during the reign of Josiah but now God was calling them to make an account of their actions.
God sent Isaiah to Israel to tell them to repent and turn back to him because he wanted to heal them. God had given Israel a certificate of divorcement but he was calling them back to be married to him. All he wanted Israel to do is to acknowledge their guilt and repent.
God dreamed of having sons and daughters that would love him. He had so much in store for them: a desirable land and the most beautiful inheritance of any nation. He thought they would call him “Father”, but instead they were unfaithful. Still, God called out to them to come home.
Because they refused to listen, disaster and judgement was coming. It was going to hurt God more than them.
In Colossi, Paul writes a letter of grace and peace. He is so proud of them and their love for one another and because of their faith in Jesus. Paul’s prayer for them is that they be filled with revelation of what God has in store for them and that they may bear fruit in all their works. He prays that they would grow in their knowledge of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Then Paul gets caught up in worship of God from verse 15-20. It is a great prayer or praise to our Father who through Jesus has made a way that we may have peace with God.
Lord, your judgements are right and holy. May we repent as your people and as your nation and turn to you with our whole heart.