Read: Jeremiah 32:6–15

Jeremiah said, The word of the Lord came to me: Hanamel son of your uncle Shallum is going to come to you and say, “Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours.” Jeremiah 32:6–7 

As Jerusalem was being besieged by the Babylonians, Jeremiah engaged in a real estate transaction. King Nebuchadnezzar had already taken possession of the land of Judah, but Jeremiah drew up papers for the acquisition of a field. Jerusalem was about to be burned to the ground, the temple was on the verge of destruction, and the Jewish people were on the eve of exile, and Jeremiah—who had prophesied the impending doom—made a powerful statement. By purchasing his cousin’s field, Jeremiah let the Jewish people know that while decades of exile lay before them, God intended that they would be back! “For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.”

We all have moments when we feel downtrodden, demoralized, and on the verge of disaster. While we may not have to fear an impending exile; an impending divorce, a job loss, or bankruptcy can feel like the end of our world. There are situations we find ourselves in when it can feel as if all is lost. But God promises people of faith that our end is not destruction, displacement, or death. The words of the prophet Jeremiah remind us that God’s plan for us includes joyous reunions and rebuilt lives and even resurrection from death. While there are moments we are cast down and out, God promises that we will one day come back!

What investment do you need to make in your future?

Lord, I am stunned by Jeremiahs act. What a foolish investment—to buy a piece of land that had been taken into the possession of a foreign military force! And yet, what a moving witness to the fact that the powers and principalities that oppose your plans for me will not be victorious in the end. I may experience moments when I get carried away by misfortune, but You promise that I will be back. Thank You for Jeremiahs hopeful act. And help me to invest in a similarly hopeful future—even if I cant see it or imagine it yet. In Jesusname, I pray. AMEN.