"Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." After their exile to Babylon, God invited his people to renew their commitment to Him. The Lord was angry with their forefathers whose sins caused the exile. Now their time of exile was coming to an end and God did not want to extend His anger toward this new generation. If they would but return to Him, then he would return to them in favor and blessing. This promise to God's people, Israel in the Old Testament, is the same promise He makes to His people, the Church, in the New Testament in the book of Revelation:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). God describes His love for His people when they have sinned and turned away from Him as unrequited love. Even though you may "break up" with God, He is still in love with you and does not want the relationship to end. If you want Him back, you must make the first move. You are assured, however, that if you return to Him, if you open the door, then He is always ready to "make up" with you.
