dated May 13, 2012

Jeremiah’s ministry is often described as the prophecy of “woe” or “doom”. This view, however, does not capture Jeremiah’s total message. Though he announced the certainty of Jerusalem’s fall—due to its backslidings and socio-spiritual decay—beyond this loss he declared God’s promise of a divinely provided possibility for recovery.

1. Personal recovery is available now.

He made an appeal to turn from “backslidings”: “If you will … return to Me … you shall not be moved” (4:1).

2. Practical living while reaping sin’s harvest.

As Judah reaped its bitter harvest of judgment for having sown the seed of sin, Jeremiah’s instructions to those who would be taken to Babylon offer practical counsel for us today (ch. 29).When we were born again, we were instantly forgiven; however, we continue to harvest for a time the fruit and pain of our years of sinning.
Jeremiah offers words of practical wisdom: We are to

(a) “Settle in”—that is, commit to the long run, not the short race;

(b) Seek to minister to others already while we recover, rather than focus only on our own needs; and

(c) Receive the confidence of God’s secured destiny for our future.



Yours in Christ,

Pastor Rudy