The main truth that stands out for me in these opening verses of Jeremiah 2 is the devotion of God’s people, at least at first. We know what’s going to come in the rest of the chapter, namely God’s profound disappointment with his people, but the chapter begins on a high note as it recalls the early devotion of his people, like that of the first flush of love of a newly married bride.
Do you remember those initial post-conversion days? I was on cloud nine! Even as an 11 year old I would have gone anywhere and done anything for my Saviour. Israel, says our prophet, followed Yahweh in the wilderness where there was nothing but him to support and provide for her.
Cowper puts it memorably in his great hymn O for a closer walk with God:
Where is the blessedness I knew
when first I sought the Lord?
Where is the soul refreshing view
of Jesus and His Word?
What peaceful hours I then enjoyed!
How sweet their mem’ry still!
But that ardour dulls and the passion fades unless we stir up the embers, day after day, and pray, again with Cowper:
Return, O holy Dove, return,
sweet messenger of rest;
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
and drove Thee from my breast.
The dearest idol I have known,
whate’er that idol be,
help me to tear it from Thy throne
and worship only Thee.
That’s my prayer for today and I urge you to make it yours as well.