11.01.2014 Old Testament: Jer 31.20

To read the Bible in a year, read Jeremiah 31–32 on November 1, In the year of our Lord 2014

By Don Ruhl

The Lord rebuked Ephraim, but did that mean He did not care for Ephraim? For some reason, people believe that rebuking or showing error, means you hate them, but listen to the Lord speak about Ephraim,

“Is Ephraim My dear son?
Is he a pleasant child?
For though I spoke against him,
I earnestly remember him still;
Therefore My heart yearns for him;
I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord.
(Jeremiah 31.20) 

Granted, rebuking can be done from a heart of hate, but that is not inherent with rebuking, and it certainly is not with the Lord. Even as He rebuked Ephraim, He rebukes us, but it is because His heart yearns for us.