This is what the LORD says:

"Stand in the courtyard of the LORD's house and speak to all the people of towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD. Tell them everything I commanded you; do not omit a word.

Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done."

Jeremiah 26:2-3, NIV 

 

Why do you warn your kids? Isn't it because you love them and you do not want them to do wrong? 

 

Why do you punish your kids? Isn't it because you realize that when they do wrong their actions could have terrible consequences, and you want to spare them from those consequences?

 

God is the same - only better! He knows that sin will separate us from Him for all eternity if we do not repent, so He warns us! He knows that if we do sin it will have terrible consequences and He wants to spare us from those consequences.

 

As you read through the books of His prophets, notice how many times God warns His people. Notice how many chances He gives them to turn back. Notice how many times that He rescues His people from the consequences of their sins when they do repent.

 

The point is that God is the perfect loving Father and, like the perfect parent, He only wants what is best for His children. So He warns us and punishes us and rescues us - over and over, as many times as we will turn back. Because if we do not turn back, our punishment will be more than they we could bear. God knows this and God loves us, so He warns us! The only questions is, will we heed His warnings and come back to Him before it is too late?

 

"Even now, declares the LORD, return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. 

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing"

Joel 2:12-14, NIV 

 

Today is day 13 of the 30 day challenge to read through the books of the prophets of God, with Jeremiah 23-30 being the reading for today. May God richly bless you as you seek His will, hear His warnings, and turn back to Him with all your heart!