by Diana Durrill
Jeremiah is in prison. King Zedekiah has placed him there under charges of treason for preaching against the nation and the king. Zedekiah preferred only positive talk in order that it might encourage the people to hold out hope that they could outlast the Babylonians. Jeremiah's message (from the Lord) was one of destruction and captivity due to the rebellion and disobedience against the Lord their God.
In the middle of this setting -- Jeremiah in prison with Israel's imminent destruction and exile being undeniable -- God tells Jeremiah to purchase some land. This land, useless and of no value under the current circumstances, was an investment into the future. Jeremiah's obedience to the Lord in this (seemingly) ridiculous transaction was an act of faith. The Lord was making the point that the nation of Israel would eventually be restored, sins would be forgiven, and this land would again become useful and productive, with homes, fields, and buildings...inhabited in joy and laughter.
In other words, even though there were great consequences for turning their back on the Lord, for living in rebellion and worshipping other gods, even though Israel deserved these consequences and judgment for their sin, God is a God of truth, and mercy, and love.
In short, God Keeps His Promises.
Jeremiah is in prison. King Zedekiah has placed him there under charges of treason for preaching against the nation and the king. Zedekiah preferred only positive talk in order that it might encourage the people to hold out hope that they could outlast the Babylonians. Jeremiah's message (from the Lord) was one of destruction and captivity due to the rebellion and disobedience against the Lord their God.
In the middle of this setting -- Jeremiah in prison with Israel's imminent destruction and exile being undeniable -- God tells Jeremiah to purchase some land. This land, useless and of no value under the current circumstances, was an investment into the future. Jeremiah's obedience to the Lord in this (seemingly) ridiculous transaction was an act of faith. The Lord was making the point that the nation of Israel would eventually be restored, sins would be forgiven, and this land would again become useful and productive, with homes, fields, and buildings...inhabited in joy and laughter.
In other words, even though there were great consequences for turning their back on the Lord, for living in rebellion and worshipping other gods, even though Israel deserved these consequences and judgment for their sin, God is a God of truth, and mercy, and love.
In short, God Keeps His Promises.
No comments:
Post a Comment