From the Edges – Morning Devotional – This will hurt me more than you.

Scripture Focus – Jeremiah  31:18-20

Recently I watched an episode of “Leave It to Beaver”.  For us old folks we know this program, we loved this program, but the generations beyond us have no reference to this and other programs. I know I am living in the past because I love those old programs, my “ recent watched “ on our television will prove this.

Back to Leave it to Beaver. Beaver had done something that would result in punishment. Beaver’s dad took him into the privacy of a room away from everyone else and told Beaver that he would be punished. Beaver believed he was going to get “walloped” by the strong arm of his Dad, only to receive a “talking to” and some limitations imposed on his life moving forward. One of the lines that Mr Clever said was “this will hurt me more than it will hurt you.” I can’t remember the whole conversation, but the segment ended in a hug and probably every kid in America in that time span saying, “That is the kind of Dad, I want.” 

As I read this morning from Jeremiah 31:18-20 – The tribe of Ephraim was returning to God. The expression “I beat my breast” was used to express grief and mourning for the sinfulness they had sunk in to. For walking away from God. These folks had committed the most degrading of sins. Here is where the story is interesting to me, some would continue on their sinful ways, some would return to God. This remnant that would return to God, would find forgiveness and realize the love of God through their repentance  or the “beating of my breast”.

What really speaks to me is God’s love. God’s never-ending love. I really believe that when God see’s us sinning or turning away and has to call us to repentance, even sometimes draw us into that space and give us a talking to that God says “This hurts me more than it does you”.  The second part is the Why? Why do we have to receive punishment for our sinfulness? Why do we continue or as the hymn writer writes to be “bent on sinning”? Because we have walked away, because we have — well it’s different for all of us. But the idea of returning to God, with all of our heart, mind, and soul, not just in little trips but in full surrender to the best life possible must be something we all realize.

This morning read Jeremiah 31:20 and add your own name into the blank:

“ Is not  _____ my child, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against ____, I still remember _________. Therefore my heart yearns for __________. I have great compassion for _____________. Declares the Lord.

Please remember God loves us and we love God by keeping the commandments of God.

Go beloved child of God with your heart set on loving God with your whole heart, mind, and soul ! Peace to you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.