Thursday, August 26, 2021
A Message to Exiles
Jeremiah is clear: the future prosperity of those going into exile depends upon settling in and making the most of a long captivity. Hananiah and his followers have miscalculated, and have lost their lives in the bargain; the exile will not be a short one. Jeremiah and his supporters have proved correct; Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire is not a passing force; it will hold a central position in the region for quite a long time. (Mays 567)
At first glance we find a bleak situation – there is no remedy, no rescuer, and no plan in place to put injustice right. And yet, Jeremiah offers hope with some of the most beautiful verses in all of sacred scripture. He brings hope to a desolate and despairing people; he brings us words from the Living God that will sustain us when nothing else will.
When nights are endless and days are wearying, we remember . . .
Thus says the Lord: I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.
When human resources are gone and we know we are empty . . .
When you call me, when you go to pray for me, you will find me.
When we see nothing but obstacles before us . . .
Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, and I will change your lot.
When we believe we can no longer survive . . .
I will gather you together from all the nations.
When we yearn for a time past when we understood more and were confused less . . .
I will bring you back to the place from which I exiled you.
When we consider the periods of exile we experience even in the midst of our lives busy with families, neighbors and colleagues, we might turn to Jeremiah who harbingers the promise of God’s outrageous hope, the promise of Christ’s redemption, and the promise of the Spirit’s in-dwelling. This is his message to the exiles and to us: God has plans for you . . . plans for your joy . . . and not for woe . . . plans to bring you back . . . to the place you have been promised.
Images from: http://lauragoins.blogspot.com/2011/01/jeremiah-2911.html and http://creativeconfetti.blogspot.com/2012/07/jeremiah-2913.html
The Noontimes 
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