Fully Satisfied!

Fully Satisfied!

I will fully satisfy the needs of those who are weary and fully refresh the souls of those who are faint.

Jeremiah 31:25 NET

In context, Judah had been pillaged and left in ruins. God had warned several times in the past about the dangers of sin and rebellion towards God, but the people had refused or neglected to listen. Punishment had come: exile, burnt walls, looted temple and despair all around. As it has always been said, God will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. God has no favourites when it comes to sin. He didn't spare His son as He bore the sins of the world on the cross; I don't know who else He will spare then. 

This wasn't the time to talk about raising armies or soldiers, but of inhabiting Jerusalem and making it a place of residence and work. God was going to fill the towns with people, including farmers and herdsmen, so that normal life could resume. If I seek a life of peace and quiet, God is the only one who can guarantee it. If my ways please God, He makes even my enemies to be at peace with me. For a town to be inhabited by farmers and herdsmen, it has to be a town with relative and consistent peace and quiet. Do you seek this kind of peace? Has the world battered you, with sin making you weak and powerless? God is the only One who can fully restore you to His original purpose. 

And that is the crux of today's extract. In this context, Sin makes a man prone to attacks, and because God does not defend sin, the devil is able to attack. His attacks can make a man weary and faint, even to the point of death. This is why God's mercy must be my utmost pursuit. It was God's mercy that led to today's promise, and as you read, you get the distinct impression that God does not do half-measures. If he restores, He does it fully. If He forgives, He completely forgets. If He provides refreshing, you can bet it will be the full measure. 

Of course, for me to enjoy what God offers, I must admit my need of Him. God doesn't force Himself on any one or compel me to open the door of my heart to Him. He waits at the door of my heart, knocking, waiting for me to open up to Him. The choice is mine to make, but the eternal consequence of my choice has already been determined. His offer is still available; I must make the best use of the time I have whilst I still have it. A time is coming when mercy will expire and only judgment will apply. Today is your day of decision. His time of favour is here.