Today you should read: Jeremiah 25:1-14
Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Because you have not obeyed my words, behold, I will send for all the tribes of the North, declares the Lord, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and everlasting desolation. vs. 8-9
After reading these two verses it is no wonder that everyone hates Jeremiah. These are some very tough words and a huge burden for Jeremiah to bear. He is charged with the duty of proclaiming the judgment of God on the people of Jerusalem and it is easy to see God as a wrathful and vengeful God in this passage. However, I want to challenge that thinking because I think that if we look at this passage from the point of view of God we may see a very loving God.
The first thing that we see is that God persistently pursued his people (vs. 3-4). God has not only sent Jeremiah to call His people to repentance, but he has sent other prophets and messengers as well. It is important to remember that God always pursues us.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might e saved through him. John 3:16-17
The second thing that we see is that repentance is designed for restoration (vs.5-7). God is calling them to turn from their evil ways. If they do, they will be restored and God will do them no harm. If we understand that repentance means to recognize our sin, turn away from it and put on the ways of the Lord, then when we find ourselves in sin God makes the same promise of restoration to us today.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9
Finally, we have to realize that God is perfectly just. Israel did not listen to the warnings of Jeremiah and the prophets, and as a result they were going to face the wrath of God. You and I need to recognize this fact for our own lives as well. God has provided his Son and seeks to restore us to a relationship with himself through the blood of Jesus Christ. However, if we reject Christ, then we will face the ultimate punishment which is an eternity in hell. Yet, if we have accepted Christ as our Lord, but get caught up in sin we will still face consequences and the discipline of the Lord (Hebrews 12:6).
So let us not have prideful stubborn hearts toward the Lord today but seek to embrace his loving restoration in our lives.
Posted by: Chad Wiles
JumpstartCPC.com 
In these 14 short verses we see God chastising Israel four times for NOT listening to Him. I just have to wonder how often I miss God’s voice because of my busy, distracted, and noisy life? Getting still and quiet is not an easy task but it is absolutely necessary if I am to hear the quiet whispers of my Savior and Lord.
Great observation Kim! Thanks.
Kim’s comments and Chad’s commentary resonated so much with me. I allow myself to get caught up in constant motion and need to slow down and “listen”more to the voice of God! Very convicting for me today.