Perhaps

August 5–Jeremiah 36-38

“Perhaps the house of Judah will hear all the calamity which I plan to bring on them, in order that every man will turn from his evil way; then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin”(36:3).

It is an extraordinary word. Worthy of our meditation. There is benefit in it.

The Hebrew word is uwlay (u-lah’e). It meant “perhaps, or suppose, or what if?” Even after judgement was declared, even after years of ingratitude and rebellion from the people, God knew there still was a possibility of repentance and rescue. “Perhaps,” says the Lord of all possibilities.

The God who created all things is very loyal. To us. To His original purpose for us. He does not give up easily. To the very last, He holds out the opportunity of mercy! This does not mean that He cannot or will not judge. Eventually He does so, but He makes this sad decision reluctantly.

In this hope, the prophet is instructed to write down the prophecies God has given him over the years. Predictions of judgement. Calamity coming. Originally spoken, the words are now to be written down and read in the temple on a day when great crowds are assembled. “Perhaps,” says the Lord, “they will listen and repent.”

Amazing! Even as judgement begins, even as the foundations begin to crumble, the great heart of God commands mercy to be preached. Like the thief on the cross, to the very last moment, IT IS NOT TOO LATE!

Friend, have you given up on people? Lost hope? Stopped praying? Stopped communicating God’s offer of mercy? With stubborn hope, Eternal Love calls men to repentance and faith and salvation and blessing in Himself. It may seem hopeless to us, but the Unconquered One looks at the world and says, “Perhaps!”

“The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished”(Exodus 34:6-7).