• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"'Yet return to Me,' says the LORD"

Text: Jeremiah 3:1

A DISTURBING DESCRIPTION

The problem of immorality was rather high in Judah. There was a high rate of families breaking up because of divorces.

“‘They say, “If a man divorces his wife,
And she goes from him
And becomes another man’s,
May he return to her again?”
Would not that land be greatly polluted?
But you have played the harlot with many lovers;
Yet return to Me,’ says the LORD.”
Jeremiah 3:1

1. “They say”

a) This was a common saying.

b) The roots, however, was an ancient law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4).

2. “If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?”

a) Divorce

i) Unfortunately, this was all too common a practice.

ii) In a divorce, a man and his wife are sundered.

b) A second marriage

i) She marries another person.

ii) A new family unit is set up.

c) Marrying the first wife

i) Can he marry the first wife?

ii) This could mean the breakup of another marriage, another family.

3. What the Law of Moses was actually seeking to teach

a) That divorce should not be easily contemplated and pursued.

b) The easy practice of divorce and remarriage would make a mockery of God’s institution of marriage.

4. “Would not that land be greatly polluted?”

a) Many in the land would be against such a practice.

b) They would consider this practice as something that would pollute the land.

c) High moral values must not be set aside easily.

A MOVING INVITATION

The Lord understood the turmoil that many faced as families broke up and people were divorced.

1. It was hard on everyone.

a) The husband

b) The wife

c) The children

d) The relatives

2. Was there Hope in this troubled state of affairs?

3. “But you have played the harlot with many lovers”

a) Judah had played false with the LORD.

b) The nation had worshipped many idols (called “lovers”).

c) The land was polluted because of rank idolatry.

4. “‘Yet return to Me,’ says the LORD”

a) Judah was in serious trouble:

i) Politically and economically

ii) Morally and spiritually

b) Yet, the Lord issued this invitation to Judah.

To return to the Lord! Judah, must of course, return with a genuine heart!