Jeremiah 2:5a  This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in me, that they strayed so far from me?”

God loves His people and He wants them to love Him.  The second chapter of Jeremiah talks about how Israel forsook God – in spite of His love for them.  This question is part of His grievance against them. As we consider it now, don’t think of it as a harsh or blunt accusation.  But rather think of it as a cry of a loved one scorned who still loves and is asking why.

Several years ago I was reading this on a flight from Recife to Sao Paulo, Brazil and the Lord allowed me to experience the pain of this question.  It broke my heart. I immediately thought of Jeremiah 3:19 where the Lord says, “How gladly would I treat you like sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.  I thought you would call me Father and not turn away from following me.”  What wrenching words these are!  But they also express the incredible heart that He has for His people and the relationship He desires.

We are His people – His treasured possession.  Because of Jesus Christ we can walk in His ways.  We can love Him with all our heart.  We can be the people He wants us to be.  Our lives can be – make that must be – love letters to Him affirming that He is our Father and that we are His daughters and sons.

Today’s verse is a treasure to me, because it makes me so aware of the importance of living my life for Him.   When my life is lived carelessly, I can bring Him pain – particularly in light of what He has done for me and for all of us.  I cannot imagine Him asking me, “What fault did you find in me?”