Bible in 90 Days -- day 56 (Jeremiah 23:9-33:22)

God, our helper,

by your Holy Spirit open our minds

and lead us into your truth

for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

In Jeremiah 23:22 God says about the prophets, “But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.” That is the primary job of a prophet – apply God’s word to God’s people. Lamentably, this is not what was happening. This is still a good warning for those who speak God’s Word.

In 27:6 God refers to King Nebuchadnezzar as“my servant.” This would have been complete news to Nebuchadnezzar! He did not acknowledge the LORD or have any type of covenant with him. There is a real sense in which God considers everyone his servant, and in this case God brings Nebuchadnezzar to carry out his plan against Judah and the surrounding nations.

Jeremiah 29:11 is probably the most famous verse in the whole book: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is often used as a blanket blessing, but I think we would be wise to look closely at the context. This is word of hope given during a time of discipline. For 70 years the people will be exiles, and life will not be good for those who stay behind. This promise in no way spares the people from the coming pain. However, considering the dark tone of the first 28 chapters, this verse is incredibly uplifting. God will not forget to bless! I look at this blessing also in light of 31:28, where the LORD says, “Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant.” God accomplishes both in Judah and Israel, but grace prevails in the end.

KNOW THIS: The most famous verses in the whole book probably should be 31:31-34. This is the new covenant. This is our reality.

We have seen God command Jeremiah to do some very specific acts to enact God’s word to the people. The command to buy the land in chapter 32 is an enactment of hope based on God’s promise. I love this picture!