June 15, 2020
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness." (Jeremiah 31:3)
God is not speaking to everyone in this verse, but to His people He had chosen, the Israelites. These were the people who loved Him. But they were also the ones who were continually rebelling, continually forgetting, continually walking away.
And yet, time after time, God brought them back to Himself, restored them, and blessed them. Like a human family, there is love and rebellion in the mix on the human side, but—different from a human family—there is nothing but perfection from the Father.
EVERLASTING LOVE
The adjective is all important. It is not "sometimes-lasting love" or "occasional love." It is EVER-lasting. There is no beginning nor end. It is there every morning when we rise and evening when we lie down. In fact, He never slumbers or sleeps in His love, providing watchful care through our rest.
Sometimes His love is expressed in hard discipline when His people need training, just like a strong father with his children. But it is always driven by love. Sometimes His sovereign understanding causes and allows things we do not understand, but it is always undergirded by His everlasting passion for His children.
DRAWN BY LOVINGKINDNESS
The word "drawn" in the original language means "caused to move." God has pulled us to Himself. But notice this instrument of his action. He has drawn us with "lovingkindness." Again, it may not feel at times that this is so, but it is lovingkindness nonetheless.
God is not only loving, He is kind. Think of this. Imagine the kindest person you know, then magnify it by millions, for He is complete in His kindness. And then, meditate on this if you are one of His children: He has loved you with an everlasting love and drawn you with His perfect lovingkindness!
And, then, give Him thanks … for the rest of your life and beyond!
Father, thank You for Your lovingkindness to me and my family. You have loved me when it was completely undeserved. You have drawn me to Yourself over and over again, keeping me from wandering. You have been the instrument of my return and the Object of my love. And it is all because of Your kindness and love to me. I’m overwhelmed and grateful.
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