DAY 309

HOPE OFFERED AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Jeremiah 32 & 33 and Hebrews 1

The people of Judah have certainly been living in what we might call is “a time of trial” and in fact chapters 32 and 33 are written as the fall of Jerusalem is within months. These two chapters are chapters of hope that parallel chapters 30 and 31.

In 32:1-15 Jeremiah, who is effectively in prison, gets one of the worst prison visits of all time. One of his relatives wants him to buy back (redeem) a piece a property even though Babylon will most likely “own” in it in a few days. Jeremiah shows great care in buying the land and recording the deeds—he obeys God.

Then in 32:16-35 we read an interesting “bit.” Part of it seems to be a “re-telling of the great story of God and the chosen people.” Yet pieces of two verses (17 and 25) seem to show that this is a plea. Listen to Jeremiah in the first part of verse 17: “…nothing is too hard for thee.” Then in verse 25 we read: “…and you told me to buy the land”—as if to say, “you told me to buy the land so you should act.” And yet throughout this section is also the sense that the end is a reality: “the siege mounts have come to the city” in verse 24. What is this part of chapter all about? Quite simply Jeremiah is praying for understanding. Times of trial can be times of confusion—praying for understanding is a natural action.

God, in 32:36-44 gives him not only understanding, but hope! The city will fall, and yes nothing is too hard for God and so he will restore the people, after a period of time. God will create a people with one heart who will live one way…and he will restore. So buying land might actually be a good investment! God directs Jeremiah to buy land that in the future will be his. In times of trial God seeks to encourage his faithful.

We see this encouragement in chapter 33. Imprisoned, on the verge of exile and maybe even death, God, in verse 3 invites Jeremiah to call upon him telling him that he, God, will answer. In this chapter the theme of hope continues. God, who said in chapter 31 that he would make a new covenant, now says that this will be an everlasting covenant.

We are just staring the letter to the Hebrews and I want to just help set the stage a bit. The letter to Hebrews is likewise meant for encouragement. My Bible’s introduction of New Testament Books says, “The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Christians in a time of trial. It does so by focusing on the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. While God spoke in the past “many times and in many ways,” he has now spoken to us “by his Son,“ Jesus Christ, who is the “exact imprint” of God’s nature and who “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (1:1-3) Jesus accomplished “complete salvation for all who trust in him.” This letter, whose author is unknown, was probably written in the first century, some think between AD 60-70.” [cf. ESV New Testament Book Introductions].

The letter to the Hebrews that you are just beginning to read will draw heavily on Old Testament imagery. It will give us the opportunity to see how completely Jesus fulfills the Old Testament methods.

For today though, I would invite you to think about some times of trial that you have experienced and look for events when God offered you hope. One of the best things we can do to prepare for the trials to come, is to look backwards to see God’s hand in those that have gone by…such reflection can build our faith.