Brooks of Water

For thus says the LORD: “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’ Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. (Jeremiah 31:7-9 ESV).

Vacationing in the Smoky Mountains always affords me the opportunity to explore some of the quiet paths leading to the streams flowing down the mountains. It is always a peaceful, relaxing experience. I am not a professional photographer. In fact it could be said rather accurately that I’m not a very good amateur photographer. However, my mind’s eye captures the beauty that the camera doesn’t. This year I was struck with the quiet rushing waters and the contrast of God’s natural beauty with the noise and confusion of our world. It brought me to the reading of our devotional today. It is primarily a word to the people of Israel in their Babylonian captivity; however, there is an element of future prophecy now fulfilled in Jesus for all men. It is a message of assurance that God will again take them into covenant relation to himself. I find it particularly comforting to recognize that when we find ourselves in a position of great trial and difficulty, God has already provided a place of safe rest. I understand how perplexing that might seem. Perhaps Matthew Henry’s commentary will help a bit: But it is hard under present frowns to take comfort from former smiles; yet it is the happiness of those who, through grace, are interested in the love of God, that it is an everlasting love, from everlasting in the counsels, to everlasting in the continuance. Those whom God loves with this love, he will draw to himself, by the influences of his Spirit upon their souls. When praising God for what he has done, we must call upon him for the favors his church needs and expects. When the Lord calls, we must not plead that we cannot come; for he that calls us, will help us, will strengthen us. There is no terror for those in Christ. There are no calamities that will not work together in the will and purpose of our God for our good. We are tempted to turn to more laws and government’s might to protect us. As good as those things are; as much as they are ordained and directed by God; it is not those things that save us. It is the grace and love of God through Christ who is drawing us nearer to our home prepared for us by His hands. There will be the eternal brooks of water! Come on… take a little walk with me to that place.