READ: Jeremiah 32-33.
Verses chosen for meditation: Jeremiah 32:8 and 32:27.
8 Then Hanamel my cousin came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said to me, ‘Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and
redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word
of the Lord. Jer 32: 8.
27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all
flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jer 32:27.
REFLECT
Investment in property has been a hot topic in Singapore. Since every property
investment carries a certain amount of risk, so when is the “right time” to invest
therefore becomes very critical. In the working world, at least its timing to
invest would be evaluated to determine the risk assessment profile.
Reading chapter 32:6-12, one would find it strange that Jeremiah was
called by God (while he was imprisoned) to purchase a property in Anathoth during
the siege of Jerusalem by Babylon. But for Anathoth land itself, it was utterly
worthless since it was said to be already in the hands of the Babylonians. Yet,
Jeremiah had been asked to buy the land and finally, he did so.
Was there no risk assessment from Jeremiah’s part then? Well, we read on
that Hanamel came to the prison (v.8) and offered Jeremiah the land because Jeremiah
had its right of inheritance. Jeremiah knew that this right of inheritance was
a fulfilment according to the Law of Moses (Lev 25:25-34 - Promised Land not to
leave the family) and of the Word of the Lord. All these events unfolded according
to the Word of the Lord as a sign, just as God told Jeremiah it would happen.
Jeremiah was again assured that the land ultimately
would be restored, and title deeds would be valid. It was not a hopeless
condition or a mere imaginative thought. He trusted in the
Promises and the Word of God and lifted His promises as in: “Houses and
fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land” (v.15) in
support to his property venture, which others see as a non-sensible decision.
So, how do we reconcile such seemingly foolish and illogical venture?
RELATE
While Jeremiah was sure
that the land would be sieged by the Babylonians, he was also certain God would
restore. He prophesied of God’s people coming back to the promised land and to
God (previous 2 chapters and chapter 33). God promised to heal, bring peace, restore
the land, rebuild the people and forgive their sins” (33: 6-9).
In such an uncertain circumstance like a siege, what Jeremiah did was a
remarkable act of faith (sometimes we call “caution of faith”). So often, we too
exercise this faith by “testing” the impression received from God. We watch if
the events unfolding indicate some favour. We seek revelation through His Word,
and through the Holy Spirit’s prompting, all to see if we are in alignment with
the impression. In this case, Jeremiah knew that God would confirm His word and
cause events to unfold consistently. He proceeded to do all
that was instructed by God with Baruch. His faith did not take halfway measures.
He acted completely 100% as instructed, for example, by putting the title deeds
in a safe place (32:14 - in earthenware vessel, like a time capsule), believing
that the land would not be worthless in time to come.
In his prayer, Jeremiah reminded himself of God’s character, Jer
32:16-20. He believed God is ever faithful to save and judge, full of power and
“nothing is too difficult for him” (similar question asked to Sarah, Abrahm’s
wife, who was in her past child-bearing age). If there was ever unbelief,
Jeremiah would recall into His mighty acts and promises, “Is anything too hard
for me “(v.27). That was Jeremiah’s amazing and doubtless faith in who God is, the
One who is all powerful and keeps His promises.
Similarly, for us, can we also keep in step with God and trust Him with what
He has promised in our both small and great decisions?
REST
Pleased to share this rather old song, “Ah, Lord God” by Don Moen:
https://youtu.be/BzRKaS_jI2c?si=39Ra9LaVnSAKc57N.
Vincent
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