DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Worthless Land or Worthy Obedience?
By Elaine Pierce
The heading for Jeremiah 32 in my Bible says, "Jeremiah Buys a Field." (Just a reminder that these chapter headings, while helpful, are extra-Biblical.) Why would God tell Jeremiah to buy a field in a country that he is going to give over to the Babylonians? This land won't be worth much to a Jew when they take over, will it? Why would God make this request?
Perhaps rather than puzzling over God's reasons, I need to focus on Jeremiah's response: obedience. He was confused, to be sure (take a look at verses 24 and 25). It didn't make sense to buy this land when God was going to hand the city over to Israel's enemies. Perhaps God was reminding Jeremiah - and us - that he has plans ultimately to restore this land to his people. Even when we are confused and in doubt, God tells us that he is in charge, and that his kingdom will come.
At times I want to read passages like these and say, OK, God, so how does this apply to my life? Instead, I need to remember that this is a book written for a specific people for a specific time. No, it's not always about me, is it? God's Word is revealed truth, and it always points to Jesus. Look at our verses for today:
I [the Lord] will gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be my people, and I will be their God. ..I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. ...I will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.
So Jeremiah's land purchase might be worthless in the short run, but in the long run, God will redeem that land. His covenant with us is everlasting - Jesus paid the price on the cross - and one day, we will spend eternity in his presence. Thanks be to God!
PRAYER
Lord, I often don't understand your plan, and while I know you love me and you are good, I struggle with doubt. Help me, like Jeremiah, to lay my confusion and fear at your feet. Help me to remember your everlasting covenant with your people. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
It is verse 40 that God used for me today. "I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me." This speaks volumes to me as I read your devotion today. Isn't is wonderful how God uses his word over and over to get our attention?!
This is so true in our world today. I’m confused buy the destruction, anger, war and the lack of unity. Seems so many are concerned with themselves, what’s best for just them…. Then I remember all the stories from the Bible, from the history of this earth. This is nothing new, history indeed repeats itself.
Thank you Elaine for reminding me that God is in control. He lets things happen, he has a plan and I just need to trust that if I just continue to do what he asks of me and have faith that even though I may never see the reasons why in my lifetime, all will workout for the Good of God.