A new word from the Lord outlining hope for restoration.
The Lord commanded Jeremiah to write everything in a book. And then hits him with the big news...I will bring back my people from captivity. And then the really big news, the Lord lists Israel AND Judah to return! He says they will return to the land and possess it.
Just as s side note, God specified the land. Just another example of the land being central to the human story.
Starting in verse 5, we get specific words from the Lord.
Verse 5 is the Lord, using the plural "We", describing the trembling, fear, and lack of peace. And then, as if it were written exactly for this time, He sarcastically asks if a man can have a baby. Since the obvious answer is "no", He goes on to ask why, then, are the men pale and hold their loins.
He calls it the time of Jacob's trouble, but assures them they will be saved out of it.
In a new paragraph in verse 8, the Lord of hosts promises to break their yoke and burst their bonds. Foreigners will no longer enslave them! However, He affirms that they will serve the Lord their God and David their king (Jesus Christ His Son), that the Lord will raise up for them.
He encourages them to not fear or dismay because they will be saved from afar and their kids will return, have rest and quiet, and no one will make them afraid.
Amen for all of that!
4.8.25
Verse 11 is a bit of a good news, bad news message:
‘For I am with you,’ declares the Lord, ‘to save you;
For I will destroy completely all the nations where I have scattered you,
Only I will not destroy you completely.
But I will chasten you justly
And will by no means leave you unpunished.’ Jeremiah 30:11, NASB, biblegateway.com
The older I get, the more His promise to be with me means to me. I used to think, well, great you're with me, but are you going to do what I want? Now my heart just feels gratitude and humility that the King of the universe is with me. And I know that it is enough. He is enough. I want the know how and when; He's willing to share Who. And Who is enough. More than enough.
It is worth noting that He does chasten. No one wants that. But chasten is a word that comes with love and oversight. Not punishment for revenge; but for correction.
The problem though, isn't the chasten of the Lord but the consequences of our own choices. Our sin. Starting in verse 12 we see what has happened to God's bride, Judah. She's injured with an incurable wound. With no healing for her sore, her lovers forget her. Israel has nothing to offer Egypt or any other kingdom to whom she used to whore herself out.
He goes on in verses 14-17 to describe their suffering and that they have acted like His enemy and been punished in response. He repeats that their pain and wounds are incurable because their sins are so numerous. But then, as always, He turns back to them and promises to punish their enemies, their punishers, those who preyed on them.
He promises to restore Judah to health and heal her wounds. Did you catch that. They made choices that led to an incurable death. That choice was sin. We all made that choice and brought ourselves very low. But in an unearned, undeserved gift of grace and mercy, He has decided to forgive us, heal us, and bring us back to health miraculously. And all it cost Him was his Holy, Perfect, Sinless, Son. Oh, and being tortured and dying for His people. Oh and having to inhabit said people until they get home. Sacrifice all around, except us... A story that's hard for us to imagine. A story we wouldn't write. But He did. Amazing.
Verses 17-22 are an amazing catalogue of all that He will redeem. So not only does the unfaithful bride find restored health, but also fortunes, tents, dwelling places, cities, and the palace. And they will be thankful. Which is a beautiful hope. The Israelites (and I) often get these periods of restoration and cannot wait to get back to our idols. But there is a time coming when we will all be our best selves, our designed and Created selves and we will finally bring Him what He wholly deserves-thanksgiving.
He also promises to multiply them and bless their children. He will punish their oppressors. This remnant will chose a leader who will be able to approach God, meaning He will be Holy. Which may have meant some type or shadow in the short term, but really only can be Jesus.
Verses 23 and 24 have a tone and topic change and seem like they belong more with Chapter 31. And, spoiler alert, it seems like end times stuff, so I'll include it in my chapter 31 post.