Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Restoration: Israel or Christianity?

But I will restore you to health
and heal your wounds,'
declares the Lord,
'because you are called an outcast,
Zion for whom no one cares.' "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. 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. Their children will be as in days of old,
and their community will be established before me;
I will punish all who oppress them. 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. "'So you will be my people,
and I will be your God.'" See, the storm of the Lord
will burst out in wrath,
a driving wind swirling down
on the heads of the wicked. 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.
(Jeremiah 30:17-24 NIV)

When I read this passage I see Israel and the return from exile that is promised. But I also see hints of Jesus and the church in the new covenant. For a new leader will arise from the people. And Gods wrath and anger will be unleashed. Yet somehow God has his purposes in mind to work our evil and the wrath set for us into his glory.

Thank you God for your promises in the past that have been fulfilled. I pray that reading of the history of Israel through struggles, your rebuking ands seeing your promises and good plans fulfilled that we would be strengthened in our faith. God I want to hold to your promises. I want to find my identity and my hope in you alone. For only with you is there anything lasting.
Amen

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