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Jeremiah 31:4, 21-22
4 I will build you up again,
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.
Again you will take up your timbrels
and go out to dance with the joyful.
21 “Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Take note of the highway,
the road that you take.
Return, Virgin Israel,
return to your towns.
22 How long will you wander,
unfaithful Daughter Israel?
The Lord will create a new thing on earth—
the woman will return to the man.”
Jeremiah 31 has quickly become the theme chapter for 2015 for Iron Rose Sister Ministries. Verses 11-14 will be used for our Destination Retreat, “In the Hands of the Divine Gardener,” October 1-4, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Verses 4, 21 and 22 present a unique perspective of hope and redemption in their reference to Virgin Israel.
Throughout the Old Testament, God compares his relationship with Israel to a marriage, with Israel being the unfaithful bride. He has Hosea marry Gomer, an adulterous woman, as a direct parallel of Israel’s adulterous relationship with God. Other prophets remind Israel of God’s faithfulness in spite of their infidelity.
However, in the prophetic words of Jeremiah, God welcomes Israel to a level of redemption that totally wipes the slate clean. “Virgin Israel” offers more than forgiveness.
Redemption is being bought back, but a reference to “Virgin Israel” is about being brought back to a condition before any infidelity. Can virginity be reclaimed? In God’s eyes and according to his invitation, it can!
After betrayal by a friend, trust is broken; the relationship falters on a shaky foundation in an attempt to take steps forward and mend the brokenness. As failed and flawed human beings, we recognize that things will never return to their original condition. One cannot glue back together a broken vase and restore its original, unblemished beauty.
But God can! Our relationship with God can be reinstated to its original, unblemished beauty.
That statement is beyond our comprehension.
How do you interpret the phrase “Virgin Israel”?
What does God’s redemption mean for you in 2015?
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Redeemed: bought back. Holy: set apart for a purpose.
Redemption and holiness may appear to be an odd pairing for January themes, but they both speak to the resolutions and the time of renewal of purpose that come with a new year.
A redeemed person is clear about his/her identity. She realizes that her life is not her own – it is a gift from her heavenly Father to be lived to his glory. She was bought at a price and is now an adopted daughter of the King.
A holy person is clear about his/her purpose. She recognizes that the world and its ways hold no value – she has been set apart from all that it hinders and distorts. God brings definition and purpose to her life, guided by the Holy Spirit.
A holy redeemed daughter of the King keeps her focus clear. As the song goes, “This world is not my home.” And as Paul says in II Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” If I look to the things of this world, I am filled with frustrations, worries, and burdens. By keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, I am filled with faith, hope, and love.
I have never been big on New Year’s resolutions. However, I have established a few goals and priorities that help me remain clear in my identity, purpose, and focus:
· Daily time in the Word
· Constant communication with God through prayer
· Keep the main thing the main thing: I am a daughter of the King, called according to his purpose. With that identity, purpose, and focus clarified, I will see things from an eternal perspective and trust in God who is bigger than any circumstances.
How will you remain clear in your identity, purpose, and focus for 2015?
Verses for additional reflection: Hebrews 12:1-3, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 14:1-4, II Corinthians 5:7