Tuesday, January 24: Jeremiah 24- A prayer for those who have strayed.

My heart latched on to the imagery of good figs interpreted in verses 4-7: Then the word of the LORD came to me: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

God keeps His word. His people are His people. Yes, justice necessitates that judgment be rendered. Israel has strayed so far from the Lord that they don’t know where ‘home is.’ But even in judgment God keeps His covenant. Listen to the promise God makes to those bound to Babylon. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

That is my prayer for all who stray… that God will bring them back, build them up, plant them [in the faith] and give them a heart to know the Lord.

There is a prayer for anyone who has a loved one or friend who has drifted from the Lord. Pray that God will bring them back, build them up, plant them [in the faith] and give them a heart to know Him and enjoy Him forever.

Oh, Lord, this morning we pray for fill in names of those you know. They have drifted from You. Lord, please bring them back to You, build them up, plant them in You and give them a heart to know You, Lord.

This is my cry and prayer, in Jesus’ name. Amen.