Jeremiah 31:9

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them.

The penitent sinner returning to his God

I. Some of the first steps by which a sinner returns to his offended God.

1. Contrition; a heartfelt sorrow and grief on account of his sins. Many causes may conspire to awaken the sinner; but, as soon as the natural blindness of his heart begins to be removed, fear and alarm will be among the earliest effects. The apprehension of God’s future judgment stops him in his course; fills his heart with terror, and his eyes with tears. He has also a more immediate cause of alarm, in the state of his own mind and heart. Beginning now, for the first time, to abhor iniquity, he is confounded on discovering its power and dominion within him. Something more than this is required, in order to make a true and lasting penitent. After trembling under the condemnation of the law, and mourning over your corrupt nature, you must look upon Christ, and behold in Him the effects of your guilt.

2. From penitent tears, the next step is to fervent prayer.

II. Abundant aid is promised to those who are setting out on their return to God.

1. God will help the repenting sinner by holy influences; by inspiring him with holy desires, and restraining the corrupt inclinations of the natural mind.

2. He will come to your aid with His refreshing consolations. These are the rivers of waters, by which He will cause you to walk.

3. The repentant sinner is assured of instruction, sufficient to guide him on his way, and easy to be comprehended and followed.

4. He, who leads the sinner into the way of light and consolation, will also uphold him therein. (J. Jowett, M. A.)

Christian pilgrims

I. Their character.

1. There is no discouragement which God will not enable us to surmount.

2. God has chosen those who arc in the most discouraging circumstances on purpose that His own power may be the more displayed and glorified.

II. Their journey.

1. Its commencement

2. Its progress. Address--

(1) Those who yet are in a state of bondage.

(2) Those who are travelling towards Zion. (C. Simeon, M. A.)

In a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble.

A beaten track

Here there is a well-beaten track under our feet. Let us keep it. It may not be quite the shortest way; it may not take us through all the grandeur and sublimity which bolder pedestrians might see: we may miss a picturesque waterfall, a remarkable glacier, a charming view: but the track will bring us safe to our quarters for the night. (R. W. Dale, M. A.)