Our scripture this morning is Jeremiah 31:7-10.
For thus says the Lord: “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’ Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’
The prophet Jeremiah tells the people that their sorrows will not last forever and that God calls them back to His love and care. This passage speaks words of comfort to those who have strayed from God’s plan. God promises to heal them and keep them “as a shepherd keeps his flock” (v. 10).
God has offered us this relationship since the very beginning. When we fell into sin, God was hurt by our unfaithfulness but His love is so great He has made a way for us to be reconnected through the life, death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. This promise is given to all His children, regardless of who we are and where or when we live.
Those who return in repentance are forgiven and renewed. We are given a responsibility to care for His people as He cares for us. God has a plan for each of us individually and together as His people; may we go into the world in His strength.
Gracious God, we are thankful to be reunited with You and to be called to share Your love. Help us to be the people You intend, and may we spread the Good News to everyone. Amen.