The children of Israel were the apple of God's own eyes. They were His beloved. In love and faithfulness, the Almighty honoured His  promises to their fathers from generation to generation. Special favours of God had always been showered upon them; yet, they remained very unstable in their relationship with Him.

In our text, God shows His displeasure over their stiff-neck attitude and sinful disposition. He said, ”l will surely consume them... there shall  be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them”  (Jeremiah 8:13). The Almighty so much afflicted them that their health, which they had taken for granted, began to decline. They had gloom for their glory. They lamented that they "looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble" (verse 15).  According to them, despite the manifestation of God's healing power and great provisions, they did not see their signs; ”The harvest is  past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (verse 20).

As His people today, the Almighty has made provisions for our good health and other good things of life. But to enjoy these benefits on a continual basis, we must ensure we are constantly in the centre of His will. Some believers are not enjoying these privileges, partly because of disobedience.

To enjoy God's blessings, we must humbly return to Him, amend our ways and accept His offer of salvation through faith in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Then shall we be able to enjoy the fullness of His fatherly love and the blessedness of His glory.