Jeremiah 30:12-22

“And you shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Jeremiah 30:22)

What a tumultuous relationship ancient Israel seemed to have with God! This entire passage begins with God reminding the people, through the prophet Jeremiah, that, because their sins are great, they have suffered greatly—so why should they cry out? Then, without taking a breath, God announces that He will take on their foes, defeat them, and set about restoring the people, entirely! This passage ends with the verse highlighted above.  What gives?

What gives is the character and nature of this God—Our God—who, throughout the whole of Scripture, always comes back to His unfailing desire for relationship with us, never giving up on us, and never letting  evil have the last word, even our evil!

During this Lent, let us see and know that this pattern is still remarkably visible in Jesus—this same GOD-come-among-us—whose life, death, and resurrection we focus on in this season.

Our God, keep us ever your people, and you our God. Amen

-Mary Parrish, St. Thomas Episcopal Church