Beloved

"What is my beloved doing in my temple as she works out her evil schemes with many? Can consecrated meat avert your punishment? When you engage in your wickedness, then you rejoice."

Jeremiah 11:15

I read the above verse last week and had to quickly re-read it.

Did God really just call the people of Judah beloved?

I asked that question because in the verses just before 15, the LORD was detailing Judah's wickedness toward Himself, and their affiliation to false gods. How, then, I wondered, could HE call them 'beloved'?
These people had acted disobediently - over and over again. Just like their forefathers. God had repeatedly called them to repentance, sent prophets to speak Truth to them, and warned them of impending disaster if they did not turn from their wicked ways. Yet, they continued in rebellion. To the point that God was just about to bring on the anguish He'd threatened.

So, WHY was He calling them 'beloved'???

I was so stuck on that word.

And, I think God was similarly stuck on loving His people.

HE saw their wickedness and rebellion, yes. HE hated their detestable sins, yes.
But nothing could mar God's love for His children.
Nothing.

Even as God carried out His righteous wrath, He remembered His love for His people.
Always with reconciliation in mind.
Always desiring for His wayward children to come back home.

Because they were His beloved.

Beloved.

Do you recognize 'beloved' as your name today?
No matter what you have done, or how far you have strayed from God, He loves you.
You are His beloved. He made a way for you to be reconciled with Himself through Jesus Christ. You have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus, as He shed it on the cross for you.
Now, will you receive this gift of redemption and take your place as His beloved?