June 23
Introduction
Jeremiah 32:36–44: Today’s reading concludes the chapter with God’s promise to restore the land, and that God will give the people good things.
Today’s Key Verse: Jeremiah 32:38
[The LORD said:] “Then they will be my people, and I will be their God.”
Reading
36 The Lord, the God of Israel, said to me, “Jeremiah, the people are saying that war, starvation, and disease will make this city fall into the hands of the king of Babylonia. Now listen to what else I have to say. 37 I am going to gather the people from all the countries where I have scattered them in my anger and fury, and I am going to bring them back to this place and let them live here in safety. 38 Then they will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them a single purpose in life: to honor me for all time, for their own good and the good of their descendants. 40 I will make an eternal covenant with them. I will never stop doing good things for them, and I will make them fear me with all their heart, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will take pleasure in doing good things for them, and I will establish them permanently in this land.
42 “Just as I have brought this disaster on these people, so I am going to give them all the good things that I have promised. 43 The people are saying that this land will be like a desert where neither people nor animals live, and that it will be given over to the Babylonians. But fields will once again be bought in this land. 44 People will buy them, and the deeds will be signed, sealed, and witnessed. This will take place in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem, in the towns of Judah, and in the towns in the hill country, in the foothills, and in southern Judah. I will restore the people to their land. I, the Lord, have spoken.”
Reflect
What is to be the people’s single purpose in life (verse 39)? Is this purpose one you can claim? Why or why not? What is the eternal covenant that God makes (verse 40)? According to verses 42–44, what does God promise? What do the readings from these last three days (Jeremiah 32:1–44) teach you about God?
Pray
God of hope, you are always there, reaching out in love to restore us and reconcile us to you. Teach me your ways so that I honor you for all time and remain faithful to you and obedient to your commands. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Jeremiah 33:1–13: God promises to restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel.
