Wednesday 20 March 2024
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: 'It is Zion; no one cares for her!' (v. 17)
Background
It is important to remember that most of the Jeremiah passages we are reflecting on this week are poetry. As with poetry in English, Hebrew poetry can shift direction without having to explain how or why. Those who prefer a systematic theology, or rational explanation for how and when such a restoration might happen, will be disappointed.
Much of this passage is a poem all about the dire state that the exiles from Judah find themselves in. It is spoken of in terms of ill health. The nation is suffering a disease for which there is no cure. According to this passage, God brings about the suffering due to the guilt they carry. While our actions do have consequences, and they might not always be pleasant, I wish to make clear in the strongest terms that anyone who suffers with a physical illness is not being punished by God. Remember, this is poetry and not to be taken literally.
The image the poet is creating is of the complete inability to be healed. The poet speaks of lovers who have forgotten the one who is ill. This refers to decisions kings of Judah had made in the past. Despite warnings from prophets, some of the kings of Judah had sought alliances with both Babylon and Egypt. Now, when they cry out for healing, these supposed friends have abandoned them. It seems as though even God is ignoring their cries.
Yet, as with yesterday, there is a surprising twist. God declares that, just when all seems lost, God will indeed heal them of all their afflictions. The one who had been their enemy and the bringer of their suffering, becomes the one who heals.
The change, it appears, doesn’t come from the people, but from God. Other nations are looking on and mocking that no-one cares for Judah. That scorn seems to be the catalyst for God’s action. In an odd way, it speaks of the deep relationship God has with the people of God. Though despairing at their unfaithfulness, God still will not allow others to question the steadfast love of God.
To Ponder:
- How do you respond to the image of God in this passage?
- The image of healing is one of the explanations given about the effect of Christ’s death on the cross. In what ways does this focus on Christ’s healing speak to you today?
Prayer
God our healer, restore us by your Spirit that we may love you with all our heart, mind, soul and strength; and love our neighbour as ourselves. Amen.
Bible Study author: the Revd Will Fletcher