This is Jeremiah's prophecy during the times of King Josiah. When the people of Israel turned away from God and openly worshiped idols despite God's warning, God sent her away to captivity in Assyria (8). And Judah did not learn a lesson from Israel. They kept their appearance at the temple but did not worship God wholeheartedly.

In today's passage, God calls Israel to return and Judah to repent their unfaithful hearts. He begins his calling with a promise of hope. He is faithful and forgiving (12). He promises spiritual leaders after his own heart (15). When his name is glorified, Judah and Israel will be united and receive their inheritance again (18).

As God was glad to call them his children and be called their ‘Father' (19), he also heard their cries and desired to cure them (22). God's rebuke for them also called them to acknowledge their sin and return to him. They had to circumcise their hearts to the Lord (4:4). God desires our hearts of worship (Rm 2:28-29) while he waits to pour his blessing on us (4:2).


Application: Father, I find my hope in your grace and forgiveness. I am blessed to come to you and call you my Father. Thank you for Jesus, my good shepherd. Please help me to be faithful to you and live in your presence.
One Word: Repent and return to God.