The Lord decrees judgment against Jerusalem for having exposed herselfand shed blood. He gathers her lovers and enemies to shame her publicly.
Jerusalem is compared to her sisters, Samaria and Sodom, and is said to havebecome even more depraved than they. Jerusalem bears her disgrace becauseshe made her sisters seem righteous by comparison. - P71
We sometimes experience the negative consequences of our poor choices.
However, when we humbly realize our mistakes and remember God‘s lovefor us, we are able to receive His restoration, knowing that true life can onlybe found in Him.
- P75
PrayerAdoration Confession Thanksgiving-SupplicationMerciful God, forgive me for the times I‘ve been consumed with myself and ignoredthe needs of others. Open my eyes to injustice and soften my heart toward thevulnerable. Lead me to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You each day.
In Jesus‘ name I pray, amen. - P75
59"‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant.
60Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.
- P77
62So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord.
63Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’"
- P77
The Lord promises to restore the fortunes of Sodom, Samaria, and Jerusalem.
Jerusalem will remember her shame and be humbled. The Lord will remem-ber the covenant He made and will establish an everlasting covenant withher, atoning for all she has done. Then, Jerusalem will remember her waysand be ashamed. - P77
Despite the severity of sin in the cities, God promises to restore the fortunes of not only Jerusalem but also Samaria and Sodom—cities synonymous with rebellion and ruin—so that His people will recognize what they have done in disgracing themselves. The people of Jerusalem will be humbled among their neighbors as they receive this undeserved restoration. We see a reminder of how sin affects us and others and how God does not overlook sin. In His mercy, God decides to discipline by extending restoration. - P78
The grace of receiving what we do not deserve humbles us as we recognize more clearly how good God is to us even when we have sinned against Him. - P78
God promises to remember His covenant with His people despite their sinand rebellion. Though they have broken faith, God remains faithful. Hewill establish His covenant and make atonement for all their sins. God‘speople will be humbled as they remember the past and recognize His lord-ship. - P78
This passage points us to the ultimate fulfillment of God‘s covenant:Jesus Christ. Through His death, we have received atonement for our sins,
not because we deserved it, but because God is merciful. Like Jerusalem,
we, too, were rebellious and undeserving, yet God pursued us with covenant love. We are called to humbly remember our past, acknowledge God‘sfaithfulness, and respond with gratitude for His amazing grace. - P78
Father, thank you for remembering Your covenant even when I was unfaithful to You. I confess that I have strayed many times, yet You continue to show mercy and forgiveness. Help me to live with gratitude, walk humbly in Your grace, and honor You in all I do. In Your Son’s name I pray, amen. - P79
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