January 4

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." — Jeremiah 31:3.

WE may as well attempt to measure the drops of water in the ocean, to enumerate the grains of sand on the shore, or to tell the stars that bespangle the firmament, as to estimate the extent of the love of God. Though we cannot fathom the depths of this mighty river, yet we may view and admire its streams as they roll on in their beauty and grandeur. This passage invites us to the contemplation of it. Note

THE DEED. "I have drawn thee." What is here said of ancient Israel is true of all believers.

From whence are they drawn? From a state of distance and alienation from God, from the friendship of the world, the love of sin, and the service of Satan.

To what are they drawn? To God as the fountain of all good, to Christ as the Mediator of the new covenant, to his house as the place where his honor dwelleth, to the throne of grace as the medium of spiritual blessings, to the sacramental table as the scene of their solemn vows, and to heaven as the consummation of all their desires.

THE MANNER OF ITS PERFORMANCE — "with loving-kindness;" or, as it is elsewhere expressed, "with the cords of a man, with bands of love." He does it in a way of kindness and affection, yet powerfully and effectually.

THE SOURCE FROM WHENCE IT SPRINGS. "Everlasting love." This love is ancient in its existence, sovereign in its disposal, and eternal in its duration. Immutability is inscribed on the brow of Jehovah, but changeableness on man; while men are as shifting as the wind, he is as firm as a rock. Let your prayer be, "Draw me, and I will run after thee."

Though prone, alas, my roving heart, From my Redeemer to depart, And though I him have oft forgot, His loving-kindness changes not.