Jeremiah – Be Still…

Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Righteous One

To appreciate the Advent message, it’s helpful to have a backstory on Jeremiah, as well as a look back at the time when he proclaimed this prophecy. Jeremiah was the prophet used by God to warn the people of the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah found himself imprisoned for his prophecies of doom. Finally, God gave him this message, holding a promise of hope.

No matter how far the people had strayed and hurt God with their indifference and worship of false idols, God promised them a deliverer. God would not abandon his people forever. As Christians, we recognize Jesus as the one who fulfills this prophecy, saving and redeeming the people. Continue reading “Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Righteous One”

Jeremiah 31:25 – For the Sorrowful

“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” (Jeremiah 31:25)

As I write this, my heart breaks for the families dealing with grief in Texas following deadly flooding over the holiday weekend. Many others around the world are struggling with sorrow in deep and profound ways as well. It is my hope and prayer that this verse can be a beacon of hope in those dark moments. God wants to bring joy to our sorrow.

Context (Jeremiah 31:15-25): Jeremiah uses all of chapter 31 to speak of hope for the restoration to come. Jeremiah’s earlier prophecies spoke of God’s judgment toward the stubborn Israelites who had angered God with their indifference. This condensed section deals specifically with God’s desire to protect and restore his children, hoping they will cling to the future promise. Continue reading “Jeremiah 31:25 – For the Sorrowful”

Jeremiah 29:11 – Whose Plans?

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God’s plans and our plans don’t always match up, but when they do, it’s golden. We often get so caught up in our own planning for the future that we lose sight that God is doing the same for us. I’m always thrilled when I remember to stop for a moment and ask, “Hey, God, are these plans yours or mine?” It’s good to check ourselves because God’s plans are always better.

Context (Jeremiah 29:1-23): This is a great text of promise found in a letter Jeremiah writes from Jerusalem, on behalf of the LORD, to the people exiled to Babylon. It’s in this letter that God tells his wayward Israelites to get comfortable in Babylon because they’re going to be there for a while, for seventy years. God takes responsibility for their being taken away into exile in the first place and warns them about listening to prophets there. Our memory verse falls right after God promises to bring them home in the future and make good on all the promises not yet fulfilled. Among other blessings, that means sending Jesus, doesn’t it? Continue reading “Jeremiah 29:11 – Whose Plans?”

Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Time is Coming

Read Jeremiah 23:5-6

When I think of the people alive at the time of Jesus’ birth, I can only imagine this prophetic word would have brought comfort. However, based on these words, the people were expecting a great warrior king that would come and restore peace and safety. The world Jesus was born into was full of evil and corruption. God’s people lived in fear and needed a Savior. They just didn’t know their Savior would look like Jesus.

Jesus was that “righteous descendant from King David’s line.” Matthew’s gospel does a great job of revealing that genealogy. This wise king, Jesus, would save the people and return them to safety. How Jesus would do this was not with a mighty sword or battle as the people expected. Although, the battles being fought in the unseen realm are likely greater than we can possibly imagine. Continue reading “Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Time is Coming”

Jeremiah 52:31-34 – Hope

Read Jeremiah 52:31-34

Our final episode is taken directly from the history found in 2 Kings 25, the only difference being the date of King Jehoiachin’s release. Of course, Jeremiah was not the author of this final chapter since Jeremiah 51:64 says so, and this final event happens nearly halfway through the exile period. Jeremiah had been taken to Egypt.

What we have here is hope. The line of Davidic kings was spared for some reason. Was the new king simply offering clemency to long time prisoners or was he trying to strengthen his own position by making such a move? King Jehoiachin would be a noteworthy choice being he was nobility.