Jeremiah 31:7-14
7 Thus says the Lord:
Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
“Save, O Lord, your people,
the remnant of Israel.”
8 See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,
and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
those with child and those in labor, together;
a great company, they shall return here.
9 With weeping they shall come,
and with consolations I will lead them back,
I will let them walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;
for I have become a father to Israel,
and Ephraim is my firstborn.
10 Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him,
and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.”
11 For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
12 They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall become like a watered garden,
and they shall never languish again.
13 Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
14 I will give the priests their fill of fatness,
and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,
“… “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” …”
The prophet’s words about the salvation of Israel could not have come at a better time. After all, Jeremiah is speaking to a people who are under siege. The Babylonians are at the very gates of Jerusalem, and the nation is on the brink of collapse. Rather than a message of doom and gloom, the prophet instead offers hope. No matter the outcome of the current situation, God’s hand is with God’s chosen people.
Often, our lives seem on the brink of collapse as well. Tragedy, sorrow, hurt, and pain interrupt our lives creating fear, anguish, despair, and hopelessness. During those times, it’s difficult to see any future let alone a way forward.
Thankfully, as God’s promise to Israel is one of salvation, that vow hold true with us as well. Even though our current circumstances would seem to be at odds with God’s promise, the saving work of God continues. God’s hand is with us. Holding fast to that promise gives us hope, peace, and joy.
Prayer: Save us, O Lord, according to Your steadfast love. Keep us safe and hold us in the palm of Your hand. Amen.