SUMMARY: Figs
OVERVIEW: God gives Jeremiah a vision of two baskets of figs brought to the temple as an offering. The ripe, healthy figs were those exiled to Babylon who remained faithful to God and would one day return to Israel. The rotten figs were those like Zedekiah who rebelled against God.
BIG IDEA: God faithfully provides for those who trust in him and disciplines those who do not.
KEY VERSE: Jeremiah 24:6–7 (God to Jeremiah)
I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again. I will build them up and not tear them down. I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Too many people misunderstand what it means to be in a relationship with me. They emphasize obedience so much that they fail to embrace me or receive my love. They are so busy doing things for me and putting pressure on themselves and others to perform. Their frantic lives reveal that you have to live a perfect life to follow me, and if you fail, you have to work harder to make up for the mistake. That’s exhausting and so far from what is true.
Yes, obedience is essential. If you love me, you will follow me. But my love is not contingent on your compliance. I love you and want a relationship with you. I want you to hear that, think about that, sing that, share that, and indeed receive it. I love you and will provide for you. If you want to be healthy, you are wise to follow me. If you’re going to live with purpose, obey me. You benefit from obedience, for it protects and guides you. It is wise living and reveals you love me.
NEXT STEP
Breathe in and relax, knowing God loves you. Ask God for wisdom in how you are to live your day. Follow God as he leads. Talk to God about an area in which you struggle to obey, and ask him to reveal why obedience in that area is valuable. Thank God for his love today.
LYRIC VIDEO