Return, ye backsliding children. - Jeremiah 3:22
We are prone to wander, and are daily going astray; our God may justly cast us off, but He lovingly invites us to return. He bids us take words and come to Him, and gives us every encouragement to hasten to His feet. We are children, though backsliding; and it is our Father who bids us return.
Beloved, let us return to our God this morning, let us confess our sin, deplore our folly, crave His pardon, plead His word, hope in His mercy, and expect the token of reconciliation and love. What an unspeakable mercy to have such a Father! So ready to forgive! So willing to receive! So desirous that we should be happy and blest!
His love is wonderful, His forbearance beyond description. See His arms extended; hear His word inviting; and hasten to be blest. Do not dwell on your miseries, or your wretchedness; they are the effects of your backsliding: but He says, "I will heal your backslidings." "Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for He hath torn, and will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up." His heart is grieved for us, His word invites us, and His love will make us happy.
Father of mercies, God of love!
Oh! hear a humble suppliant’s cry!
Bend from Thy lofty seat above,
Thy throne of glorious majesty;
Oh, deign to listen to my voice,
And bid this drooping heart rejoice.