Jeremiah 30 reminds me of how great it is to recover from sickness. There is nothing like the feeling of being restored. It makes the temporary loss fade away and the present feel that much greater. I am perfectly healthy, but I see a Kidney Specialist twice a year as a result of an old injury. Every visit, I see other patients that are devastated by kidney disease, with no hope for improvement. Most get progressively worse, and then go onto dialysis and eventually their bodies fail. I am the lone exception and the doctor literally hugs me when he sees me. I think I must represent hope to him. Today’s chapter speaks to those stuck in captivity with a promise from God for a future hope. The chapter begins, “The days are coming, when I will bring My people Israel and Judah back from captivityand restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess”. This was spoken to a hopeless people that probably had no expectation of improvement. Jeremiah describes the people’s status, “Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace… every face turned deathly pale… How awful that day will be!” I imagine this is how many feel when they hear that dreaded diagnosis, or the nagging suspicion has been confirmed. Listen to the rest of the quote, “It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it”. Are you just waiting and enduring?
God’s promise continues, “In that day… I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds”. What else happens in that day? “No longer will foreigners enslave them instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them”. He was speaking to the Jews in Babylon, but King David had been dead for nearly 400 years. I believe he is referring to the “Son of David”, the term used for Messiah. In that day, He continues, “Do not be afraid… I will surely save you… again have peace and security… I am with you”. What about the mean time? “I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you”. Are you feeling scattered?
The chapter closes with a contrast between sickness and health. “Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing… All your allies have forgotten you… because your guilt is so great and your sins so many”. He describes a “pain that has no cure”. Friend, have you been there? Or are you there now? Do not give up hope! God’s promise continues, “Those who plunder you will be plundered… But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds”. Is there hope for physical healing? Yes, but more importantly there is hope for spiritual healing for eternity. What happens with healing? “From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and… I will bring them honor”. Has it been a while since you heard the sound of rejoicing? “So you will be My people, and I will be your God.” These promises are for the nation of Israel. I believe for now, the promise has been extended to the Gentiles. The chapter ends, “The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until He fully accomplishes the purposes of His heart. In days to come you will understand this”. Many came to Jesus, but He always healed them individually. Each one had to ask. Are you sick of sitting in the waiting room? Restoration is possible. Friend, maybe today is That Day?