Overlooked Patience

Jeremiah 26:3 (KJV) If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.

(Proverbs 9 also read)

I am currently reading in Jeremiah and just worked through chapter 26.  One of the things that strikes me as I read Jeremiah is not that Jeremiah is the weeping prophet or that God is threatening to destroy Israel.  What impresses me is the constant effort of forgiveness and restoration that God offers.

God has made it clear what the consequences are of their rebellion and refusal to follow along.  He is condemning them.  Keep in mind that when it talks about refusing to obey the law, it’s not talking about plowing with an ox and a donkey it’s talking about worshiping other gods.  They were sacrificing their children in the fire to Molock.  This is serious stuff and they are incredibly guilty.

In spite of that God offers to set aside that disobedience, to forgive and restore them.

So?  We need to bask in the love of God.  We can’t presume.  We can’t assume.  But we can be honest with Him and repent.  He waits to forgive.  He longs to forgive.  The ball is in our court.