Carina Francke

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13

 "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. (Jeremiah 2:13).

Yesterday we discussed how God took the initiative to be in a relationship with people and how He celebrates His young bride, Israel (as well as you and me), who loved Him with complete devotion, even if it meant following Him through the desert.

Unfortunately, the Israelites (and very often we too) could not persevere in their commitment to relationships. Not long after they left the desert to inherit the Promised Land, they did what people still do today when they experience freedom and prosperity - they became self-sufficient. And soon thereafter their dependence on God became irrelevant. Jeremiah 2:6 states the reason for this change of heart - people do not acknowledge God as their Savior and Provider anymore, they do not seek His will and they are not involved in an active relationship with Him anymore.

What a tragedy to discover that in the end you won nothing and have been leaking out the thirst quenching water that the Source of life has given you - just as the Lord vividly describes it by mouth of Jeremiah, "They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."  What a shame that we so very often exchange the One who is our Glory for things that promises us no good for the future. (v11)

This straying of one's heart away from God very often affects one's earthly relationships as well. Couples forget the love that lead them to the altar and promises of faithfulness are easily broken and exchanged for the appearance of blissful happiness.

But all is not lost. The Lord still extends an invitation to each and every strayed beloved one of His; "Return, faithless people, for I am your husband. I will choose you..."

Prayer: Lord, the reality of my childlike following wherever you have taken me before, almost lies forgotten in the past. Without questioning, I want to walk this road with You again, but my distorted sight and hardness of hearing make it difficult to follow in your tracks. Let my dedication to You once again be quickened by the unfailing, ever-present Holy Spirit.  Amen