Reading
SAA Notes
Jeremiah likens Israel, and therefore we Christians too, to a woman who leaves her husband and lives with many lovers as a prostitute. God’s question “would you now return to me?” is answered in verses 12-13. This great call to return is given to a city that did not listen. Lord, may our loved ones and country listen!
SJA Notes
* Faithful God, please plant Your word deep within us today, and grow it, that we might be good soil and bear much fruit.
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. And when you have multiplied and been fruitful in the land, in those days, declares the LORD, they shall not more say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again.”
The ark was where God’s word was kept, the testimony. That which was God’s COVENANT with His people.
The ark was a special and peculiar element for Israel and their worship of our God.
The ark was the footstool for the mercy seat, where God would meet them from above.
We know from all of scripture that God’s plan was always that the earthly shadowy things were pointers and signs and frail copies of the HEAVENLY REALITIES.
When we think about the ark, Jesus is the crux of what is going on.
Jesus is God’s word become flesh!
Jesus keeps our side of God’s covenant!
God’s mercy to us is shown in Jesus on the cross!
And we meet God in and through Jesus (and Him alone)!
When thinking about God meeting with us, the ark, Jesus – We can read in Revelation 21,
“Behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”
Amen to this!
* Gracious Father,
Thank You that from Jeremiah we can read again of our wonderful hope in the _now_ in You, and of our _not yet_ hope in You.
Please mark us as a faithful people who are singular in our devotion to You.
Amen.