Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. 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, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and shall enjoy the fruit. For there shall be a day when watchmen will call in the hill country of Ephraim: ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’ ” (Jeremiah 31:2–6)The OT uses symbols and foreshadowing to tell the plan of God. While it could be my vivid imagination, this passage defines how God can drastically change the lives of those who have “survived the sword.”
The NT uses this term sword to describe the Word of God and tells of its power to change lives. Some who read it do not survive it. They say NO to it and miss out on the rest they seek. Those who survive are those who read it and respond to the life-giving power of God.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)The result is discovery of God's everlasting love and faithfulness, deep joy, well fed spiritually and even physically, and entering into a worship that brings us closer to God.
How delightful to read this and realize the truth of it. Thank You Jesus for giving me the sharp thrust of Your life-giving sword and the bountiful gifts of knowing and walking with You.
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