The U-Turn

Introduction:

Key Scripture:

Jeremiah 4:1 NKJV

1 “If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord, “Return to Me; And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, Then you shall not be moved.

Jeremiah 4:

Transition:

I. There is a complication

God was mad at the condition of the people

Jeremiah 1:16 KJV 1900

16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

Jeremiah 1:16 KJV 1900

16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

Jeremiah 2:26–28 KJV 1900

26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, 27 Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. 28 But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

So we see why God was so upset at what they’ve done

A theme surrounds these chapters: Forsake used 5 times and turned used 8 times

Forsake gives the idea of complete desertion: to depart from something or turn your back on.

They had forgotten the God who brought them out of Egypt, who gave them the promised land, who delivered them out of the hand of enemies

They had turned their backs on the law that God gave them to guide their lives

They saw the law as a roadblock to life instead of the road of life and they quickly exited off and took a wrong turn and were headed away from God instead of toward him

Jeremiah 2:

II. There is a Cry from God- “Return to Me”

As you read chapter 2 you see God Lamenting over Israel! He is crying out for His people

What Have I Done that was so wrong to make you turn away and forsake me?

How can anyone say Does God really love me? He cried out for His people!

He is still crying out for you!

5 times we can find where God called his people to return to me

Each time he says I know what you’ve done and I don’t care, just come back

Some of you in here might be saying to yourself “I haven’t turned my back on him” but you may be like the stubborn child who hears their dad calling them and telling the to do something but instead of running away you are simply choosing to ignore him.

Either way its a sin and a choice to turn away and ignore God’s voice

III. There is a condition- “if”

Jeremiah 3:1 NKJV

1 “They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, And she goes from him And becomes another man’s, May he return to her again?’ Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; Yet return to Me,” says the Lord.

You must choose to turn around- you must choose to repent

You must choose to turn around- you must choose to repent

You must change your habits, your mindset, change your behavior, change your attitude

It has to be your choice. God will not make you do it.

It has to be a conscious effort on your part

IV. There is a commitment

Jesus tells us we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart soul, mind, and strength.

When we do this we give Him everything we have. We are committed to following Him.

But there is also another commitment: God’s commitment to us. You shall not be moved!

He says He will not be angry with you if you repent and commit to following his ways instead of your own ways.

Conclusion:

Joel 2:12–13 KJV 1900

12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, And with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, And turn unto the Lord your God: For he is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness, And repenteth him of the evil.