One of the great themes of the book of Joshua is God’s faithfulness to his people and to his promises.

In recent reading in Jeremiah (through our 2-year reading plan), we’ve seen the faithfulness of God and his mercy on stunning display.

The people of Israel had “not obeyed God’s voice or walked in his law … doing nothing but evil in [God’s] sight from their youth,” provoking him to anger (Jeremiah 32:23,30).

And yet God promised to bring a remnant back and to make a New Covenant with them. Consider these promises that God made to Israel, even after they had worshiped other gods and even sacrificed their children in worship of false gods (32:35):

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built!” (31:3-4)

“They shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord … their life shall be like a watered garden” (31:12).

“I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish” (31:25).

“I will write my law on their hearts. I will be their God and they shall be my people ,.. I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more” (31:33-34).

“I will make them dwell in safety … I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them … I will rejoice in doing them good” (32:37-41).

“As I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them” (32:42).

These promises are sublime! How heavenly to read, and how glorious that they are ours in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Rejoice, dear church. It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. He is still satisfying weary souls. Has forgiven you your iniquity in Christ. He rejoices over you to do you good. Let us fear him and walk by the light of his word and press on to know this gloriously gracious God!

With wonder and joy,

Ben