Sep 21, 2024
The 2024 edition of Our Best Thought is inspired by our 2024 Bible Reading Plan and features writings thoughtfully crafted by contributors reflecting on their daily devotions. “Our Best Thought“ is taken from the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” as a reference to God: “Thou my best thought, by day or by night.”
Reading: Jeremiah 3
Scripture:
Jeremiah 3:9-10
Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretence,’ declares the Lord.
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Observation:
The Northern kingdom of Israel was deeply idolatrous for many generations. Instead of learning from Israel’s error, Judah also did not repent but continued in wickedness and evil. This provoked a deep anger in God’s heart, Who likened them to harlots. Scripture records that many kings ‘did as they please in their own eyes’. However, king Josiah was one of the only kings who used his position of authority to bring about a spiritual reformation. Sadly, Jeremiah 3:10 notes that Judah only returned in pretence, instead of with her whole heart.
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Application:
Repentance should not be driven solely by a sense of guilt, but rather by encountering the sure mercies of God. Romans 2:4 says that It is His kindness that leads us to repentance. A true and genuine expression of repentance looks like a transformed heart instead of a modified behaviour. After all, who are we trying to fool? God knows us through and through, even our unspoken thoughts.
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Prayer:
Dear God, we are sorry for the times we intentionally sin against you. Would You not only forgive us, but enable us to abide in Your Spirit and grant us the willingness to obey You? Help us to understand Your heart of a good Father who disciplines us because You love us. We pray that we will be confident to receive your forgiveness and not let the enemy consume us with shame and guilt. Jesus, thank You for dying on the Cross that we may be clothed in righteousness before God. Amen.