Jeremiah 26:2,3 — ““Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word. Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings.’”
I’m amazed at the miracle of repentance. The book of Jeremiah is full of pronouncements of God’s judgment against a rebellious and disobedient people. 52 chapters, one for every week of the year, to let people know that what’s coming is not good. However, Jeremiah could have been a book of about three or four chapters had God’s people simply repented of their sins. How many chapters of our lives do not have to be written if we would listen carefully to God and do what He’s asked us to do? Surely, the heart of God is tremendously moved by the humility and repentance of His people.
This principle is throughout today’s One Year Bible reading. Further down in Jeremiah chapter 26, in verse 19, reference is made to past history as it relates to king Hezekiah: “Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah ever put him (the prophet Micah) to death? Did he (Hezekiah) not fear the Lord and seek the Lord’s favor? And the Lord relented concerning the doom which He had pronounced against them. But we are doing great evil against ourselves.” Hezekiah had also heard of impending judgment but he bent his heart toward God and sought God’s favor and God was gracious and merciful to bestow forgiveness and blessing upon Hezekiah and his people.
Today’s reading in the Psalms contains a similar reference to people turning to God. Psalm 85 verses 1 and 2 and 8: “Lord, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin…I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly.”
If we will hear what God says and we will seek His favor and forgiveness, our situation will turn around and we will experience the miracle of repentance.