Thanks be to God, this applies to the church no less than to the individual. The Christian church
binds up and heals the wounds of humanity, not in the sign of benevolence considered by itself,
but in the sign of a compassion into which the love of God has but the tenderest tenderness of its
touch. Because it was love that inspired Jehovah’s kindness to Israel, there was no limit set to the
store of pardon and salvation.

“As often as I speak against Ephraim I remember him still; therefore
my heart yearneth for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith Jehovah” (31:20). This gives the
assurance that though the dreadful sword might again and again claim its harvest, Jehovah would
make an absolute end.

This inclusion of Ephraim amongst the objects of lovingkindness is, perhaps,
the most touching trait in the entire prophecy. For Ephraim seemed to have been carried by the
judgments of the past beyond every reach of hope and salvation; he had been lost, as it were, in the
backward sweep of the terrible years: of what possible use could be to Ephraim mercy and kindness?
But everlasting love, by reason of its eternity, surmounts even this. Like the vastness of heaven it
encircles all the ceaseless change and attrition of time.

On this day...

• April 19, 2014 - 2014
• THE INITIATIVE AGAINST DESPAIR - 2009
• Genesis 25:11 - 2009
• Mark 15:23 - 2008
• compeers - 2007
• Revelation 5:12 - 2007
• Mark 8:36-37 - 2007
• Ephesians 1:5-6 - 2007
• JEREMIAH 17:7 - 2007
• Confidence in Him - 2007