Jeremiah – Page 8 – Be Still…

Jeremiah 32:1-15 – Investing in Your Future

I can’t imagine purchasing some land while in prison, even if it were a good deal. From the sounds of it, Jeremiah would be helping a relative by taking this property off his hands. In the real estate market of that day, this property was probably virtually worthless. The value would lie in the memories and traditions the family had invested in this land!

I’m not sure Jeremiah felt he had any choice. He had received a vision from God that his cousin, Hanamel, would come forth with this very offer. We already know of Jeremiah’s great faithfulness. Listening to God was his priority even while enduring hardship, mockery, and imprisonment. It seems God was giving Jeremiah the opportunity for an inheritance which was certainly a strong declaration of hope for the future.

Jeremiah 31:31-40 – New Covenant

Read Jeremiah 31:31-40

How strange this idea of a new covenant must have seemed to Jeremiah and those first hearing this prophecy. The old covenant had been in place for generations, but it had been broken. As it says in Hebrews 8:7, “If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.”

Jeremiah speaks of the new covenant that will be ushered in by Jesus himself. Reference to a new covenant speaks of a future far beyond the end of the exile. The hope of restoration will not be fully realized until the Messiah comes.

Jeremiah 31:15-30 – Divine Love

Read Jeremiah 31:15-30

Did you recognize part of today’s reading from the New Testament? Rachel’s lament is quoted in Chapter 2 of Matthew’s gospel. In the New Testament, such wailing took place as King Herod killed all young boys who might be the promised king from on high. Such a horrible moment in history!

It’s a powerful connection, especially when we remember that Rachel was Israel’s (Jacob’s) wife, and her children would be part of the twelve tribes of Israel currently in exile. How fitting the matriarch would be weeping to see how her children had turned from the LORD and been punished. As parents, we always want the best for our children.

Jeremiah 31:1-14 – Restoration

Read Jeremiah 31:1-14

woman in field of flowers with arms outstretched and reaching up

Jeremiah gives us another upbeat message in this reading. What poignant and memorable words of hope in Israel’s darkest hour! Even though we’re not the original hearers of these words from God, we can still glean joy in the promised restoration. What were some of your favorite images of the restoration? I liked “With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself,” and “I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.”

This same God of hope loves us and looks out for us, too. We have been included into his family by the blood of Jesus. With that truth in mind, reread this passage and find the hope God intends for you to cling to today. We are all walking through some challenge that is zapping our energy, and likely our joy. I don’t know what your struggle is, nor you mine, but that’s okay. We serve the same loving God that is walking right beside each of us.

Jeremiah 30:1-24 – Deliverance

Read Jeremiah 30:1-24

There is hope! After all the destruction and upheaval there will be restoration. God gives Jeremiah these words to keep hope real despite the judgment being endured by the people. Seeing that “light at the end of the tunnel” keeps us focused on the future.

Can you think of a time in your life when you felt hopeless? Maybe you had just lost your job or were looking for a new home in a crazy real estate market. Maybe you were suffering from a medical condition that didn’t have a cure. In those dark times, it can be excruciating to think positively. Clinging to hope is all you can do!