Jeremiah mixed images of God as scorned husband and parent to call to Judah. Commentator John Guest noted, “The divorce laws [of Jeremiah’s day] said there was no second chance. Yet God’s love transcends our frailties and offers us a new marriage with Him.” We can “see” Jeremiah pleading, “’Return!’ [says God]. ‘How gladly I would treat you like my children.’”

• Jeremiah echoed God’s message to Moses: “The LORD…the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished” (Exodus 34:6-7). How have you experienced God’s grace and compassion, God’s eagerness to forgive you and welcome you back when you miss the mark?

• Do you tend to think of God having feelings, or as dispassionate? Ephesians 4:30 urged Christians, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Reflect on how your lack of trust or defiant acts might grieve God. How can you take steps to avoid bringing God grief?