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"If you return, then I will bring you back"

Text: Jeremiah 15:19

GOD’S RESPONSE TO JEREMIAH’S PRAYER I

God heard the impassioned prayer of Jeremiah. His answer revealed that not all was well with Jeremiah spiritually!

“Therefore thus says the LORD:
‘If you return,
Then I will bring you back;
You shall stand before Me;
If you take out the precious from the vile,
You shall be as My mouth.
Let them return to you,
But you must not return to them.'”
Jeremiah 15:19

1. “Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘If you return, then I will bring you back; you shall stand before Me'”

a) “If you return”

i) This suggests that Jeremiah had not been steadfast.

ii) He must return to the Lord.

b) “Then I will bring you back; you shall stand before Me”

i) God will bring about full restoration.

ii) Jeremiah would stand before God once again.

c) The exact sin problem is not disclosed.

i) But it would appear that Jeremiah’s standing before God was affected adversely.

ii) Reconciliation and restoration would be needed.

iii) God graciously offered full restoration of life and ministry.

d) Many problems could have occurred (some possibilities).

i) A weakening of faith.

ii) Deep discouragement of the soul.

iii) Misgivings developed.

2. “If you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth.
Let them return to you, but you must not return to them”

a) Taking out the precious from the vile.

i) It is possible that Jeremiah was quite outspoken.

ii) He prayed for the death of his enemies.

iii) He was vengeful.

iv) He must be in better self-control.

b) Being God’s spokesman:

i) Jeremiah was God’s “mouth”.

ii) He must be on better guard.

c) The people must return to Jeremiah:

i) In humility.

ii) And genuine repentance.

d) Going to the people may be misunderstood.

i) Jeremiah must not offer a compromise.

ii) He must preach only what God has said to him.

iii) He must not be afraid of suffering for the Lord.