Daily Devotional for November 11, 2015
Jeremiah 30
Scripture:
18 “This is what the LORD says: ” ‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place. 19 From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained. 20 Their children will be as in days of old, and their community will be established before me; I will punish all who oppress them. 21 Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’ declares the LORD. 22 ” ‘So you will be my people, and I will be your God.’ ” 23 See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. 24 The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this.
Observation:
I’m one of those guys who has a hard time throwing things away. Yes, my wife would confirm this. I do this because, deep in my heart, no matter how broken it may seem, I feel like I can fix it, repurpose it, or salvage it to make something better. My garage has areas full of items I just can’t seem to let go. Someday, I will find the time to make something great with all that stuff.
I am thankful that the Lord shares my feeling about broken things. Although for Him, it’s not about things; He is interested in restoring people. This verse delivers a truckload of hope to the people of Judah and to us today. No matter how broken, confused, or distant you think you are, God can and will restore you if you seek after Him.
For me, the most impactful statement in this passage is verse 22: “So you will be my people, and I will be your God.” To be claimed by God as His own is all the hope I need. To know that the God who created the universe will restore a person who was banished into exile due to his own mistakes is very comforting to me. I have realized on this discipleship journey that I will make mistakes. This passage encourages me to know that when I make those mistakes, God will restore me into fellowship with Him. Thank you, Jesus!
Application:
- Personal Application: No matter how broken or distant a man feels from God, he can be restored. When he seeks the Lord with all his heart, God will restore Him. The process of restoration may not be easy, as seen in this chapter. However, the temporary pain will be minimal compared to the eternal consequences of doing nothing.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Remind them of yesterday’s devotional about seeking the Lord with all your heart (29:13-14). Show them God’s promise of restoration after they cry out to Him. Explain that on this journey of discipleship, we will make mistakes. When we turn back to the Lord, we will be restored. It may not be easy; however, God will restore us. Ask them if there is anything they would like prayer for, and pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the ability to see past faults and failures and help people to be restored through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Ask God for the ability to look past our own faults and failures and embrace the reality that when we humble ourselves and repent, God will restore us to Him.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that the Lord will help your family to be restored to fellowship with God.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, November 8 – Sunday, November 15:
- Sunday, November 8: Jeremiah 27
- Monday, November 9: Jeremiah 28
- Tuesday, November 10: Jeremiah 29
- Wednesday, November 11: Jeremiah 30
- Thursday, November 12: Jeremiah 31
- Friday, November 13: Jeremiah 32
- Saturday, November 14: Jeremiah 33
- Sunday, November 15: Jeremiah 34
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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