Dealing with Guilt

Jeremiah 31:4 says, "Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O Virgin of Israel!"

Do you know what is so amazing about this scripture? Throughout the book of Jeremiah, the nation of Israel is referred to as a harlot 8 times because she whored after other gods, the Baals, the idols. She "played the harlot" with many lovers" (Jeremiah 3:1b).

Yet God keeps calling her back to Himself. "Turn back, O virgin Israel" (Jeremiah 31:21b), He cries. God spoke through the prophet Hosea, commanding him to marry a prostitute. He does and he treats her well, but again she commits adultery. Even then, God commands Hosea, "Go again, love (her) a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans" (Hosea 3:1). So he bought her back for fifteen shekels of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley.

God was willing not only to forgive Israel but to accept her back as His own. He cleansed her so completely that He calls her a virgin!

Maybe you have committed adultery or fornication before marriage. Maybe you are a single Mom for whatever reason. Maybe you've been looked down on by others because of it but KNOW THIS! If you have repented of any sexual sin, God sees you as a virgin! He has bought you back for Himself with the Blood of His precious Son, Jesus!

Take up your Bible and read the book of Hosea. Meditate on it . See how He loves you! See how He longs for you! Come running into His loving arms! He is there, waiting for you right now....

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