Read Jeremiah 33:1-26
It’s hard to imagine what living in a city under siege would be like. The fear of death and uncertainty of tomorrow would be crippling. When you’re caught in a place of panic, it can be hard to imagine peace and prosperity are even possible. But that’s God’s message in this reading.
Jeremiah even speaks of Jesus without mentioning him by name. We also know that Jerusalem will be rebuilt because it was a bustling city in the days Jesus walked this earth. You will recall high priests presiding in Jesus’ day as well. The Messianic hope had been sparked.
For me, seeing the bridge between Old and New Testaments in passages like this is powerful. Other books of the Old Testament will speak of Judah’s return from captivity and the rebuilding of the temple. We can see clearly how when God says something will happen it happens.
“The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.” This is a promise that we can see playing out in our day as well. When we share our testimonies about how God is working in our lives, the world does see the good God is doing. When you have been touched by the hand of God, you can’t help but tremble with awe. When is the last time you sat in amazement at an answered prayer or in seeing God’s hand in your life?
God’s vision promised the people would again be praising him. They will sing “Give thanks to the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!” I can’t help but think of the worship song “Forever” that has similar lyrics. We learned from one of our prior readings here in Jeremiah that our job is to worship God!
Take some time to reflect on the hope offered in this passage. God will never reject or abandon you! How does that make you feel?
Let’s pray … Thank you, God, for all you have done and continue to do for me. Seeing you show up in my life gives me such joy. You are so powerful and in control of all things, yet you care for me. You are amazing, O God. I love you so much. Forgive me for those times when I doubt. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
