Jeremiah 36:1 In the fourth year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ² Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today. ³ It may be that when the house of Judah hears of all the disasters that I intend to do to them, all of them may turn from their evil ways, so that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

As I was reading this I thought how naive God appears here. I mean, how many times has God sent the same essential message to the Israelites? Why would God expect a different result this time? But then I realize this isn’t naïveté on God’s part, but a deep sense of love and hope that the people would turn back from their iniquity and avoid destruction.

I think of my own children and my role as their father. What would it look like for me to be this gracious to them? Then I think of myself as a child of God. Yes, God has given me many chances to turn from my sin. More chances than I can count. This morning I’m grateful for our heavenly Father who never gives up on me – or you – but always gives another chance to get it right. Thank you Lord for your mercy and goodness. Amen.