Tuesday 03 August 2010
- Bible Book:
- Jeremiah
"The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. For the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people." (v.1-3)
Background
Chapters 30 to 33 of Jeremiah have a very different feel to themfrom the rest of the book and sound a much more optimistic andhopeful note. They seem to offer a message of consolation.
The reference to Israel possibly refers to the northern kingdom ofIsrael, which was taken into exile by the Assyrians over a centurybefore the southern kingdom of Judah was taken into exile by theBabylonians in 597 BC. The people are in a very bad way - likelydue to factors beyond merely being in exile. Their state is worsebecause of the campaigns raged against them that led to theirexile, and as far as this passage is concerned, more importantly,their being out of relationship with God.
Although God cares about the people, their terrible condition is aconsequence of their guilt and their numerous sins. God, throughthe prophets, paints it as it is and it is not a pleasantpicture.
Yet throughout this passage, notes of hope emerge. While they havebrought it upon themselves, and deserve what has befallen them, Godoffers a thread of promise.
While the condition of the people is, humanly speaking, incurable,a message of hope is proclaimed which envisages healing andrestoration. Part of that restoration will be that "the city shallbe rebuilt upon its mound". The archaeological work done on thecities of Palestine reveal a cycle of destruction and rebuildingthroughout the centuries. The layers and layers of debris createthe 'mounds' which the cities are now formed of.
There will be thanksgiving and celebration once again.
To Ponder
Why do we cry out to God and so often fail to seeour part in bringing the difficult situation about?
If the incurable situation is only cured by God'sactions, what part do people play?
What are the desperate situations in the world,or your life, that are self-inflicted? How might God speak intothose situations through a prophet like Jeremiah?