Confession: often, when I read the Bible, I’m less interested in what’s happening in the passage and more focused on what’s in it for me: What does this passage mean for me today? How can it help, comfort, console, or advise me right now? But rather than trying to turn it into a self-help book that is tailor-made to fix all of my own personal problems, I need to remember that the book of Jeremiah is a prophetic book written to a specific people at a specific point in history, though it also gives us a glimpse of the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34).
In Jeremiah 32, something strange happens. Jeremiah dreams that someone will come and offer him the chance to purchase a field. Sure enough, his cousin comes to him and offers him the chance to buy a piece of land. However, the timing of this land purchase is odd; while the entire nation of Israel is in exile, away from the promised land, Jeremiah is reinvesting in it, doubling down on God’s promise. In essence, Jeremiah’s actions are saying that even though God’s people are in exile, He still has plans for the land and for His people. Jeremiah’s purchase is designed to demonstrate his faith in God’s promised restoration, and in purchasing the land, he participates in that restoration.
Jeremiah’s prayer is simultaneously one of great faith and confusion. At the end of his prayer of praise, Jeremiah rehashes all of the disaster that has come upon Judah. Their city is under siege, sword, famine, and plague, and yet God has asked the prophet to do this seemingly ridiculous thing: to buy a piece of land in the middle of a war zone. But God keeps His promises, something Jeremiah knew well. So while he was perplexed by God’s request, he continued to act on God’s orders anyway.
Though I should resist trying to translate this story directly to my own life, I cannot help but be amazed by Jeremiah’s willingness to follow the Lord in everything. He did not wait to completely understand God’s calling, to understand why, in order to obey Him. Obedience is hard, and the truth is, we need God to help us obey Him.
Lord, Your thoughts and ways are better than our own. Help us to trust you and strengthen us to obey You, even when we do not understand what You are doing.
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60 thoughts on "Jeremiah’s Land Purchase"
God is full of grace even in the midst of judgment. Judgment is never an end in itself but always has a purpose: repentance, redemption and reconciliation. Pray for our world in the midst of this crisis that he may pour out on our world a Spirit of grace and repentance.
Nothing is too difficult for you.
The heart of God is so beautiful here. When God says in verse 41: I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. It just moves me to tears to see the heart of our God. And just as many of you have said God’s word is so relevant today as we read of Jeremiah writing all this from his confinement.
Thank you God for this reading today! With everything going on I’ve been terrified that the closing on the house we are buying will fall through, the house that God miraculously brought to us (long story – we didn’t even want to view it and then ended up in a multiple offer without having the highest budget). BUT today I bought curtains for our future bedroom. It may seems small but it was my “Jeremiah Land Purchase”. It was me finally saying through actions, “God I know you will come through on your promise, because you are constant even when everything else is changing!”
I too see this study as so relevant to such a time as this. I see us as exiled into a time of quarantine. As a working RN I also can not visit personally with my children and grandchildren. I am clinging to Jeremiah 29:11 and psalm 91 as I go to work in one of the many, many hospitals without enough protective equipment. With the help of this study I can better trust God is with me and because His love is unfailing, he will bring us through this.
I am a RN working in one of the many, many hospitals short on protective supplies. This study of Jeremiah is helping me to trust in God to bring me through this. I also can no longer visit my children and grandchildren. I have a husband and son (senior) at home that I worry I will bring virus home to them.
We are in the middle of a life change. God made it clear to us in December that we would leave our beautiful home and living community to go to another one. We are to move in June. I felt I was being so obedient to do this. To let go of a place and a people I love and now this! We are selling our home in the midst of the corona virus with major uncertainty for everyone’s futures. And yet I know I can trust Him. So yes. Jeremiah did something counter cultural. I needed this today to be reminded that indeed God can do anything. Nothing is beyond His power. “Be still and know that I am God!”
Pam G Williams, I have had issues with the app as well. I was with them when they raised money to fund the app. The original app was much better than this version. I am about to drop it and use SRT here. The app was supposed to be helpful by being able to highlight sections and save to your notes but you cannot do that. I have pointed out several problems to no avail.
Just use this, you will see more comments and be able to better interact.
His land purchase is designed to “demonstrate his faith in God’s promised restoration.” How do I show that same faith, demonstrate it as I contemplate the new heavens and earth, the promises of eternal life? By building on that faith with gold, silver, and precious stones, the good works He has planned for me to walk in. He has given me the Holy Spirit as my down payment on the “promised land” coming. Jesus paid the price of the “land” with His blood and wrote on the scrolls the transaction which is sealed by the Holy Spirit. He has given each of us a piece of land “in the middle of a war zone”: what Jesus did as He came into this world that was fallen under the Enemy’s power. What a beautiful picture of our salvation!
I HAVE THE BOOK FOR THE JEREMIAH STUDY, BUT ALSO HAVE THE PLAN ON MY PHONE. I HAVE A DIFFICULT GETTING TO RESPOND TO THE COMMUNITY. DISCOVERED THIS AND HOPE IT WILL BE EASIER.
LAURA SAYLOR Thank you for your prayers ❤️❤️❤️
To you ladies missing loved ones who can’t visit or ones who have already gone to heaven, I’ll be praying for you.
This is such a hard time in the world. It is not a mistake that God times this Jeremiah study for all of us now. We are reading about such difficult biblical times while experiencing our own present difficult times
Your words of faith are beautiful. Keep doing that!
In Him,
I love thinking about the fact that God created everything and nothing is too hard for him. The pandemic that is happening in our world and the anxiety we are facing, he can handle it all. He knows what the future holds, and He has a plan and a purpose for it all. I pray that I would walk in obedience and trust.
I struggled with yesterday’s passage, Rachel is weeping. I had full understood of that until my husband and daughter put their collective foot down and said that we cannot have our grandchildren coming to our house now. I’ll clarify, I have respitory issues and am in that COVID 19 “at risk” category. Before this week I have been with at least 2 of my 5 grand-creatures every weekend and several times during the week. Now I do not know when I will be with them again. I felt like this was more than I could bear.
God is good, God is faithful, God is the ruler of this universe…God is Lord over ever creature he created. Today with Jerermiah purchasing fields in an exiled land; my faith is stengthened. It is such a beautiful reminder of the hope and promise that God has provided. Jeremiah purchased land, God redeemed my soul.
“Lord, Your thoughts and ways are better than our own.” I literally wrote this in my prayer journal before I logged on to the She Reads bible reading plan for today. I woke up this morning thinking about my husband and God’s great grace over his life. I miss my husband beyond measure but I know that God called him home for a good reason, a righteous reason so I will continue to give God all of the praise. He’s worthy, He’s worthy!!
Jeremiah buying land in the midst of the Israelites’ exile is such a beautiful picture! I need to live like the Lord is telling the truth. The One who promised is faithful and He will surely do it!
42“For this is what the Lord says: Just as I have brought all this great disaster on these people, so am I about to bring on them all the good I am promising them.
THIS!
Nothing is too difficult for You! Believing and trusting in Him, He after all is the creator of the heavens and the earth! He sets the sun in the sky by day and the moon and stars he placed by night …. how can I choose not to trust!!!! So encouraged by this today! Thank you
Amen Kristen, Churchmouse, Lizzie, Sharon,JerseyGirl, Natalie, Crystal Whitlock, Laurel, Ann and Paula Robinson.
Nowelle Sigman believe me God has a purpose for everything, I have this to be true after the death of my oldest son at the age of 18. Because of his death many of my son’s friends got saved and when they were looking for his body on the creek he drowned in they saved the lives of 11 other people and that is just the beginning. I’ll be praying for you.
Love what you said Angie.
Bethany Elza one thing is certain we can trust and rely on God to get us through this.
For me His faithful covenant has been fully met in Christ! No matter what I go though here on this earth, I know I’m His and I’ll be with Him forever in the fullness of His Joy forevermore. We know from His Word that through many tribulations we enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I know it’s not easy- I’m concerned and hurting too but even more I choose to be satisfied in all that Christ is for me in God! He is better than life! Jesus will show His mighty power to deliver us and will strengthen our faith yo endure! He definitely has the resources and resolve and love through his covenant promises to save us— A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD!
Jeremiah’s trust and belief in God, despite how it looked, fits so well with the narrative in Hebrews 11.
Angie, what a beautiful point you make. I often apologize to God in the midst of prayer because let’s be honest, there are times when our minds are swimming and it’s hard to focus. Thank you for making Him so personal and relatable.
Happy Spring, I don’t know about anyone else but the one thing that hasn’t been taken from us with this pandemic is being able to step out and enjoy God’s great creation. I’m grateful it did not come in winter when it would be too cold here in the Midwest to get outside.
In today’s scripture it reminds me/us, I/we am/are God’s people. God is looking out for me/us, He has to be trusted. Yes that’s a hard thing to do but I think He is the one I would trust the most right now. Claire said just what I needed to hear today in her last sentence, “Obedience is hard, and the truth is, we need God to help us obey Him.” Claire is so right though in saying we need God’s help to obey Him.
God help us to obey and listen to You. Help us to not fear what is happening around us but to know about it and to listen and abide by the guidelines. God watch over all these wonderful SRT sisters and their families, watch over my family and keep us safe. Amen
I couldn’t agree more, when I look around and see all the beautiful flowers and the warm sunshine it puts joy in my heart and reminds me that God is creator of all things, is anything impossible for him? I also love to read, things will be normal again, people will by land, plant gardens …. it reminds me that this will be over at some point and God has plans for them as well!
So when is Jeremiah 32:40 coming to pass? Not here yet. His everlasting covenant hasn’t started yet of only good coming to us obviously. Seems like we are in a plague.
I think Jesus has fulfilled that everlasting covenant.
Our journey through the book of Jeremiah has had surprising parallels with current events. Though the circumstances and details are different, the spiritual truths are the same. God is sovereignly in control of every aspect of our individual and collective lives. He is broken-hearted that so many in our country and world have turned a blind eye and deaf ear to Him. He longs for us to turn our hearts to Him and live in the light of His amazing grace and boundless love. I am believing , praying for and trusting that the Lord will reap a bountiful harvest of souls when this chapter in our history has concluded. Love to you, my SRT sisters!
Your prayer meant so much today. “Help us to trust You and strengthen us to obey You, even when we do not understand what you are doing.” What a concise prayer for us to pray. To follow God in blind faithfulness and trust requires so much faith in these times. I would also pray for wise discernment while listening to those who instruct us that we may see clearly God’s will.
It’s amazing how our devotions are timely. We are reading what we are supposed to be reading in this present time as there is chaos in our world. I’m thankful that we are sisters can come together and pray for one another knowing that God has it all under control. I am so grateful for God‘s WORD, the timely devotions, and all of you sisters here. I’m off to work now to go finish off cleaning, sanitizing and whatever else we need to do at our school. Please pray as I may have to drive six hours south to pick up my son from the University. The ride that he had might not happen, but that’s OK. I wanted him to know that it’s OK and I know God will make away if I have to go get him. Blessings my dear sisters.
Over and over, while reading through Jeremiah, the commentary has related Jeremiah’s experience to our current Covid-19 reality. Although I find reading Jeremiah difficult, the commentary has helped me to see that God had a plan—far into the future. Jeremiah did not know the plan or understand the tasks God presented to him; however, he was obedient.
I don’t know what the current plan holds for us—individuals, teachers, schools, economy, etc. There is so much uncertainty and no viable precedence. We are to turn to God in faith…in trust…in obedience. I am not sure what He asks of me, other than to continue to serve those around me—parents, students, neighbors, family. Lord, please give me the strength and insight to serve You by serving others. I know I cannot do it alone, just as I know I am not alone. Your will. Your timing.
How amazing is it to know that in a world that constantly changes, where a tiny virus can turn everything on its head…that we serve the Almighty God of the universe?! He never changes and He is always faithful. We praise you, Lord God.
I was really struck by God’s response in verse 27: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” The answer then and the answer now are both no. This is a season. We will come through this because God is still good and sovreign. Hallelujah.
Yes and amen.
This devotional is perfect for today! The economy is crashing, we are living in a pandemic, and we are looking at the possibility of our comfortable way of life changing dramatically. Nothing is certain. But in uncertainty, God asks us to continue in faith knowing this has never been our true home. “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:11-13
This study could not have come at a better time. The people of Judah lives were being disrupted, turned upside down, never to be the same again. Yet God, in His mercy and grace, promises to restore them. They will return to their land, rebuild their homes…but oh my goodness! They will be changed. Their hearts will be turned back to God. They will have a new understanding of His love and faithfulness.
May we also be changed through this disruption of our lives. May we seek God with our whole hearts and learn anew of His goodness and faithfulness.
Hugs and prayers for all my SRT sisters. ❤️
How fitting to read this passage today in light of what we are facing in our world right now. The phrases that jumped off the page to me were these: “by Your great power and outstretched arm,” “There is nothing too hard for You,” “the Great, the Mighty God whose name is the Lord of hosts,” “You are great in counsel and mighty in work,” and “with a strong hand and an outstretched arm.” As crazy as everything seems right now, God is in control – He’s got this! We can have the peace that passes all understanding when the rest of the world is fearful and panicking — because we know our God reigns! Lord, help us as believers to be the light in the darkness, the witness and example of Your love, Your peace, Your presence. May many lost souls come to know the greatness of Your power, in these uncertain times. In Jesus name, Amen.
Agreeing with you in prayer! Amen.
Lord, you are powerful. You have a plan and you keep your promises. I trust you and I choose to obey you even when I cannot see. You are faithful. Your justice and steadfast love are powerful. You never change. You are involved in our lives and you are my God, we are your people! Jeremiah 32:19. Thank you that you guide my steps and you never leave me, you are the God who formed the heavens. I praise you, for your steadfast love endures forever. You break me in order to heal me, you hold my heart. I can pour out my heart to you. Please help me to be satisfied in you alone, you are God, I am yours. Jeremiah 32:38-43.
Nowelle, praying for you. For His provision. He always has shown me when I have been in need , sometimes great need that He is my Abundant God. Nothing is too great for Him. Hoping you find work that blesses you greatly. As with Jeremiah sometimes things don’t make sense and as many have pointed out Jeremiah was obedient to God without it making sense to him. Praying for God’s help in my own obedience, not that I, who am usually an over thinker, analyzer could just hear His voice and act in obedience. Our Lord is life. May His light shine through us all. His Joy to you all Sisters.
How timely this study had been- especially this week. I am grateful the beautiful reminders of God’s promise to heal and restore.
This is a beautiful metaphor! I don’t often scroll through the comments, but I’m so glad I did today. :)
Jeremiah’s prayer seems all over the place as he praises God in one breath and then goes into reviewing the sword, famine, and plague, troubles and devastation in the next.
Which makes me thankful. When I talk with a friend I trust, we can go all over the place, in one conversation, in 5 minutes. Sometimes my prayers seem all over. I might start with adoration and praise, wait, there is this thing for this person, thankfulness, oh and Lord, what about this other thing… all over. BUT, not really. I can trust my best friend completely. My best friend, God in the Trinity. He knows my heart and mind, better than I do. Prayer is a time of worship, yes. But, it is also a time of pouring out. The times of deeper, less all-over-the-place prayers happens and He hears. The times of all-over-the-place prayers do also and He hears. His love never changes.
I wrote, after reading today, “We must be emptied, and cleaned out, before we can be refilled with the purity of Jesus.” And then I laughed because the other day I shared about my type A propensity. (I do try to keep my home pretty clean.) I went to the basement today and found a sippy cup from my grandson that had had chocolate milk in it. It had been there a long while, apparently. I’m not sure what happened but, dried, caked, evaporated, sticky chocolate milk had come up through the straw, spread across the table and down one of the cracks. I spent 30 minutes trying to de-gunk and clean up the grossness. I laughed when I thought about it after writing what I did in my reading today. That cup was an awful mess and it took me a long time to clean up. Filled with anything except Jesus, the cup of my life and spirit are even worse than what I cleaned up. But, Jesus paid it all. Surrendering my all to God immediately He cleaned and purified my cup and fills me with Himself. In reverence I am redeemed by the precious blood of Christ just like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb (or a perfectly clean/sanitized cup). He is my God and will give integrity of heart and action, life in fearful reverence of Him, for my good, and the good of my descendants. I am living in this foreign land, but not alone. God indwells my cup. In Him is all hope.
LOVE your personal insights today, angie! Beautiful analogy. Thanks so much for sharing ❤️
I am exceedingly grateful for SRT at this time. I must remember to have such great faith to do what God asks me – and right now that includes being laid off. Reading through Jeremiah has helped me accept there must be a purpose for this.
How do we reconcile vs. 39 “they will fear me always”, and vs. 40 “they will never again turn away from me?”
Karen, the way I read it is they will “fear” me, meaning the will have great reverence or respect for God always and therefore will never turn away because of it. I used to think fear meant to be afraid of God and could never quite understand why this would be a good thing.
I always think of those verses that say “fear the lord”. As a plea from the Father to Know him and know that he has my best in mind, to draw me close to him. Like a daddy that says “do not go into the road”.. a daughter feels safe in that daddy’s arms.
Thanks for that I always struggle to understand that too! But understanding the reverence and sovereignty that we could never fully comprehend or equate! His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts !
My 9 year old daughter and I were having a discussion about that very subject yesterday. It was difficult for her to understand that and it has been something I have struggled with through the years too: How can I fear God if I am not suppose to fear?
I had really been praying about it and my thoughts/revelation seems so simple but it gave me peace. I told my daughter that we are to fear what God thinks more so than we fear what man thinks. Meaning, I want what God desires to be higher than what this world, my friends and even my own selfish desires. By Israel worshipping other gods and straying from the one true God, it in essence showed that they did not really fear the Lord. I feel that God gave them over to the consequences of their own sins and then that in turn made their hearts want to never stray from Him again.
As an aside: The writer of this lesson, Claire, has a book that’s been out for a year now, and is very good! I read it not knowing that months later I would be reading her devotionals on SRT!
This study through the book of Jeremiah could not have come at a better time! I now have a new love for this book of the Bible
This is so perfect for the times we are in, we must be still, listen and act As our God directs,
Amen
Jeremiah believed God. Jeremiah was all in. Over and over we’ve read of the things God has asked Jeremiah to do to warn His people of the coming judgment and exile. This journey has not been fun for Jeremiah. This calling from God has not rewarded him with appreciation and accolades. Yet Jeremiah remains faithful to his calling. Again and again, Jeremiah does as he is told. Buy land in the country that’s being decimated, its people taken into captivity and exile? Believe that one day the people would return and rebuild? Jeremiah’s answer is yes to both. Jeremiah’s answer is always yes. His answer is always yes because his God is trustworthy. He delivers every single time on every single one of His promises. Jeremiah believes because he knows. He knows because he believes. May we read and hear God’s word and respond the same: Yes and amen, Lord. Yes and amen. Nothing is too difficult for You! We are all in.
Thank you for these encouraging words this morning Churchmouse!
Yes, please help us to obey and live a life pleasing to You, because we love you so much. Let’s remember: 26 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 27 “Look, I am the Lord, the God over every creature.l Is anything too difficult for me?
Amen!
As soon as my eyes came to Jeremiah 22:
I had the same song running through my head Shannon!