Read: Jeremiah 31:1-9
I have loved you with an everlasting love. (v. 3)
The infinity symbol (∞) has been used in mathematics to represent a number that has no limits or bounds. In our key verse, the Hebrew word ‘olam, rendered “everlasting,” is also difficult to comprehend. Strong’s concordance says it can mean, “generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity.” We can’t wrap our minds around these concepts. But God’s love can be described like this. His love has no end.
In our passage today, Jeremiah assured the people that God’s love (’ahavah) for them is “everlasting” (v. 3)—it has no end. He extends this love with khesed, his covenant “faithfulness” (v. 3), showing loving-kindness to them even though the people had disobeyed him and were exiled. God promised to return and restore them. He promised to turn their weeping into joy (v. 9). The foundation of his action was love. He said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (v. 3). He had not forgotten them. He has always loved them and will continue to love them even when they fail, for he is love (1 John 4:8).
When we wonder, “How can God love me when I fail him?” we can look at the cross as evidence. He gave his only Son who died and rose again so we may live with him—days without end. Do you see how much he loves you? His love for you is infinite, without end, everlasting.
As you pray, believe God’s everlasting love is for you.
About the Author
Nancy Boote
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband. Besides being a mother, a grandmother, a song writer, and lover of horses, Nancy also has a heart for prayer and seeing racism dismantled.
