Topic: Beloved, Yet Afflicted [Sunday April 5, 2015]
Text: Jeremiah 8:13-22
Key Verse: “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” (Jeremiah 8:22).
The children of Israel were the apple of God’s own eyes. They were the beloved of God. In love and faithfulness, the Almighty honoured His promises to their fathers from generation to generation. Special favours of God had always been showered upon them; yet, they remained very unstable in their relationship with Him.
In our text, God shows His displeasure over their stiff-neckedness and sinful disposition. God said: “I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them” (Jeremiah 8:13). The Almighty so much afflicted them that their health, which they had taken for granted, began to decline.
As His people, the Almighty has made provisions for our good health and other good things of life. But most believers are not enjoying these privileges partly because of disobedience. Many have sat through several revival programmes where other people had their sicknesses healed and other needs of their lives met. Yet, they remain in their troubles because God is not pleased with them.
The children of Israel, in the text, lamented that they “looked for peace but no good came, and for a time of health and behold trouble” (verse 15). According to them, despite the manifestation of God’s healing power and great provisions, they did not see their signs. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended and we are not saved” (verse 20).
To enjoy God’s blessing, we must humbly return to Him , repent of sin and accept His offer of salvation through faith in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Then shall we be able to enjoy the fullness of His fatherly love.
Bible in One Year: Psalm 31-35
Thought for The Day: Blessings always flow from a robust relationship with God.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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