Jeremiah's message was consistent : Return to God and He will bless the land (Jer. 4:2).

How do we do we return? How do we repent? How do we get back to God? 

• Know that it is God's will that we return. So we begin with God's assurance of hope that does not disappoint. He wants us back. He wants all of us to return. (Although this was written to the Jews, this is now true for the Gentiles too. A Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew).  
• If we are planning to return to God we need to make sure our return is with a whole heart. Some return reluctantly or for other reasons like duty or emotions. Jeremiah's message is for a  complete turn from the past and commitment to repentance and restoration of what was lost.
• Acknowledge sins. God already knows about these things and all you are really doing by ackowledging your sins is admitting that you were off the mark, or into things that were out of bounds or rebelling against God's plan. We are sinners and the evidence is against us. Plea guilt and accept forgiveness in our Savior's name. Otherwise you walk around with a burden and could backslide.
• Go directly to God and his Word. He has a plan for a future and a hope. You'll find it when you return. When you get off track there is always other ways that seem rational. Be careful, that way could lead to destruction. Stay on track by staying true to His Word.
• Give up the things that stand in your way of your return. Find the true path. Ignore obstacles that block your view. Tear down distractions.      

Spiritual people also struggle with returning to God. See what Jesus said to Peter after the last supper.  Read Luke 22: 31-34. Jesus prays that Peter's faith will not fail.  

Jeremiah, the prophet continues to speak out to the people. Up to this point God lists intolerable grievances. But this admonition is more personal. You have turned degenerate and are a wild vine. What is their response? “It is hopeless, for I have loved foreigners and after them I will go” (2:25). No shame.

When Israel entered the Promised Land, the land was rich, a beautiful land of milk and honey. This land was to always be their land. This land is where God Himself would dwell and where He would establish His sanctuary. The land was holy and the inheritance which was entrusted to Israel. After many years the sanctuary was still attended but the temple was a place they practiced rituals without heart. The people had adopted new gods that influenced their methods of living. These new ways replaced God’s ways.   

What does it mean that God planted a choice vine wholly of pure seeds? This vine is firm and steadfast- it is true.  The wild vine is foreign; not steady or lawful. It doesn’t belong in the beautiful land. Yet the people cling to it.

Apply: A citizen of a nation is entrusted to keep the land and good stewards of all the God gives us. Are we handing God-given land to strangers? Do we lose something if we do– become someone else in the process? Why would this offense matter so much to God?

Background references:   

Ex. 15:17-18 You will bring them in and plant them in your own mountain, the place O Lord, which you have made for your own abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. The Lord will reign forever and ever. (After the exodus, in the wilderness, God promised the land)

Isaiah 5:1-2 Let me sing for my beloved, my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it and he looked for it to yield grapes but it yielded wild grapes. (This passage is addressed to Israel when they began to follow other gods during Isaiah’s time.)

Also look at these relevant passages: Parable of the eagles and vine (Ezekiel 15) and Parable of the Vine (John 15) 

As I worked on my illustration of Jeremiah as a fortified city, I see Jeremiah standing watch over the city of God. He sees danger coming so he warns the people, the leaders, and the priests. They are looking in another direction. Jeremiah’s warnings don’t resonate, his words are not heard when the enemy draws near. They are clinging onto hope that God will keep them safe. They are covering their ears and looking the wrong direction. Away from God's voice. He asks them to turn around but they will not turn around.

The fortified city is like a fortress. The pillars of iron are unbendable. The walls of bronze are like a barrier. Jeremiah will develop thick skin and continue with what seems like a lost cause. God has already seen to it. God tells Jeremiah to gird up his loins, arise and speak His words, do not be afraid and he will be made as a fortified city, as pillars of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land. Everyone will be against him. They will fight him but they will not overcome you because God is with him to deliver him.

The Bible is like the prophet Jeremiah. Read about the true God and find out about His character. Look for Him- and His ways. Learn to run with the horses and never give up.