“My wayward children,” says the LORD,
“come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”
“Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply,
“for you are the LORD our God.
“My wayward children,” says the LORD,
“come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”
“Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply,
“for you are the LORD our God.
I will answer them before they even call to me.
While they are still talking about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
Good people pass away;
the godly often die before their time.
But no one seems to care or wonder why.
No one seems to understand
that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
for before their very eyes
they see the LORD returning to Jerusalem.
…I, the LORD, made you,
and I will not forget you.
I have swept away your sins like a cloud.
I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.
Oh, return to me,
for I have paid the price to set you free.”
I replied, “But my work seems so useless!
I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.
Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand;
I will trust God for my reward.”
And now the LORD speaks—
…
He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
(The Upper Room, Jerusalem)
“From eternity to eternity I am God.
No one can snatch anyone out of my hand.
No one can undo what I have done.”
…listen to the LORD who created you.
…the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.