Jeremiah 30
-There is a distinct turn in the
tone of Jeremiah’s Words from the LORD as we get to chapter 30. Restoration,
while it had been hinted at in previous prophecies, is now the central theme of
God’s message to His people for hope and redemption. God promises to bring the
fortunes of His people back and to replant them in the land that He gave to
their forefathers for a possession (Jeremiah 30:3). Although there will be the
time of Jacob’s distress with nothing to compare to it, Israel and Judah will
be saved from it. It will come about on that day that the LORD will break off
the yoke from their neck and tear off their bonds, and strangers will no longer
make them their slaves (Jeremiah 30:7-8). At that time they will serve the LORD
God and David their king (probably a Messianic reference), whom the LORD will
raise up for them (Jeremiah 30:9). God promises to save them from afar from the
land of their captivity so that they can return and be quiet at ease once again
with no one to make them afraid any longer. God assures that He is with them to
save them and that He will completely destroy all the nations where He
scattered them (Jeremiah 30:10). Even though His punishment has been severe and
just, He will not completely destroy them. He is merciful in wrath. Their
incurable wound and serious injury, which no one would help in their lack of
care because of their great iniquity as a people, will be restored to health by
declaration of the Almighty. The outcasts will have a Helper (Jeremiah
30:11-17).
-Restoration is reiterated with
compassion in the remaining verses of the chapter (Jeremiah 30:18-24). The city
will be rebuilt on its ruin, and the palace will stand on its rightful place.
The people will come back to Jerusalem with thanksgiving, celebration,
multiplication, honor, and significance with an established congregation before
the LORD. They will again have leadership that can approach the King of kings.
They will remain His people and He will remain their God. His tempest and wrath
will burst on the head of the wicked, and His fierce anger will not be turned
back until He has performed and accomplished the intent of His heart. “In the
latter days you will understand this (Jeremiah 30:24).” This prophecy had
partial fulfillment with the rebuilding work of men like Ezra, Nehemiah, and
Zerubbabel, but the final restoration will occur when all believers are
gathered in Christ’s coming Kingdom. *Application* While God’s corrective
discipline can be severe and daunting in our lives, we must remember His mercy
and deliverance is assured and promised when we have taken Him as our Savior.
He will take you through refining and conforming as a part of the
sanctification process. You can count on that. You, like Israel, will
experience times of chastisement, rejection from people, and hardships, but
remember His restoration is always before you, and He does care when no else
will. Remain devoted to God and stay steadfast in His grace. In the later days,
you too will understand this. LORD, let us bow to Your will and every intention
of Your heart in subjection to Your authority over our lives. You are good and
will deliver in the end!
Verses to Memorize: Jeremiah 30:7, 9, 22, 24
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