Jeremiah 31:3, 4 (NAS)
The
LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an
everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Again I will
build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel
Jeremiah 31:3, 4 (NIVUS)
The
LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an
everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up
again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your
tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.
Jehovah the Lord has never wished to be remote or far away from His people. When the distance between you and Him was a wide space, Adonai was the One who first chose to draw near to you. Since He had regard and respect for you, He appeared so that He could provide all that you need. He loves you affectionately as a friend. You are never out of His mind and will never vanish from His sight. His love for you lasts for eternity; it advances to the furthest point of the universe. His kindness and beauty draw you and cause you to develop. The Lord's good favor and mercy make you sound.
It is the
Almighty's will to build you up and to surely repair your life. Even
though you were like a bride separated from her husband, now you are the Israel
of God, a prince with the power and strength to prevail. The Lord God has
adorned and bedecked you with the precious ornaments of His glory. In joy you
can take up a tambourine and dance as you go forth. You will play and laugh
with pleasure, for you escaped the enemy's hold and no longer are condemned.
You will rejoice in restored hope. Your seed shall shoot forth and spring up as
you wait patiently on the Lord in whom you trust.
(Originally written 10/11/06)
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