As you slowly move through this passage, note two currents that flow—the fickle, vain intents of the people to repent, lasting as long as morning fog and the longing love of God for the people to return. What promise to you see in verse 2? There is anguish in this yearning, as when Jesus lamented over Jerusalem just before his passion, in Matthew 23:37. Verse 2 lifts itself from this chapter with a stunning reminder of the resurrection.
Meditate deeply on today’s verse. “Mercy” here is the Hebrew hesed, the covenantal love of God for God’s own. Nothing outer will do—only inner-driven love and intimacy with the Lord. Open yourself to this. With the Lord’s grace, become one of God’s truly faithful ones.
What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In this season we read Hosea; in the 9th week, we read Lamentations 3.
For the next several weeks, the Firestarters will be from the original version of this program. For these Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 