August 24
Jeremiah 32:1-33:26; Ezekiel 26:1-14
No one buys a bunch of stuff right before they move. Typically, you are trying to throw or give away everything you can. I would imagine these values would be heightened even more when you are facing an exile. The pictures we see of refugees around the world are typically of them carrying a bag or suitcase with all that they own. Jeremiah's response to exile is the exact opposite of what we normally conceive. He is called by God to add assets in the face of removal to Babylon. He buys a field as a symbol of hope. Jeremiah's actions are meant to be a display for Israel that exile will not be the end of the story. God will return and restore them back to the land. They will experience the pain of exile (see the book of Lamentations), but there is hope beyond the pain.
As we experience moments of difficulty, we need to consider whether we are acting like the Israelites who can only see the pain, or whether like Jeremiah, we are able to live out of the hope that comes from God. When we operate out of pain, anxiety, and fear, we make foolish choices; but when we respond out of hope and confidence in God, then we will walk in wisdom. Hope is always greater than our circumstances and hope will always last longer than the pain. So, choose hope, not fear.
Father God, fill me with your hope. I praise you that the brokenness of this world and my life is not the end of the story, but you will make all things right one day. All praise and glory to you. Amen.
How would your decisions be different if you operated out of hope rather than fear?
No one buys a bunch of stuff right before they move. Typically, you are trying to throw or give away everything you can. I would imagine these values would be heightened even more when you are facing an exile. The pictures we see of refugees around the world are typically of them carrying a bag or suitcase with all that they own. Jeremiah's response to exile is the exact opposite of what we normally conceive. He is called by God to add assets in the face of removal to Babylon. He buys a field as a symbol of hope. Jeremiah's actions are meant to be a display for Israel that exile will not be the end of the story. God will return and restore them back to the land. They will experience the pain of exile (see the book of Lamentations), but there is hope beyond the pain.
As we experience moments of difficulty, we need to consider whether we are acting like the Israelites who can only see the pain, or whether like Jeremiah, we are able to live out of the hope that comes from God. When we operate out of pain, anxiety, and fear, we make foolish choices; but when we respond out of hope and confidence in God, then we will walk in wisdom. Hope is always greater than our circumstances and hope will always last longer than the pain. So, choose hope, not fear.
Father God, fill me with your hope. I praise you that the brokenness of this world and my life is not the end of the story, but you will make all things right one day. All praise and glory to you. Amen.
How would your decisions be different if you operated out of hope rather than fear?
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