Spiritual Adultery

Read Jeremiah 3.

God's people are depicted as a wife and the LORD as the husband.  There was a commitment for life to exclusive love.  But, Judah had not only turned away from God, she gave her spiritual affections to anything and anyone who came along.

Judah continued to act this way without shame.  Meanwhile, regarding the LORD, the people claimed, "My father, you are the friend of my youth..." (v.4).  This is much like those who went to church early in life, perhaps even made a profession of faith, but their living betrays the faith they claim.

So, God withheld His blessings on the land (v.3).  The people seemed to not have made the connection between their sin and what was happening to them.  In addition, they did not pay attention and take to heart what had happened to those around them.  God judged Israel and the northern kingdom fell.  Judah thought they could continue to do whatever they wanted and get away with it.  No one gets away with sin.

Yet, like a grieving husband, the LORD in His great mercy still called to them.  Three times He urged them to "Return."  When a person comes to realize the fathomless love of God and how great His mercy is, they humbly will repent of their wrong-doing and return.

What does God want when the wayward returns?
1. Acknowledge the guilt. (v.13)
First, one must realize they are guilty of violating God's claim upon their lives and confess their sin to Him.

2. Believe that He alone is LORD. (v.23)
Pursuing all other spiritual lovers is adultery.  God will not share His glory with anyone or anything else.  It must be an exclusive and eternal commitment.

3. Experience the results. (v.22)
God promises, "I will heal your faithlessness."  There is only one cure in the universe for sin and shame.  There is only one source of forgiveness.  Jesus has paid our debt on the cross, once and for all.