Jeremiah may be a man of lamentations, but where is greater comfort and more genuine hope to be found than with this prophet? Every page of this book speaks of God’s loyalty beyond words, loyalty towards His chosen people Israel. All that Jeremiah wrote down, is primarily directed to the Jews, and he spoke his moving words shortly before Jerusalem fell and the entire nation – except a minor part – was deported.
Just before this terrible event the prophet said, 'I (God) will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in My furious anger and great wrath’ (:37a).
Even before God carried out His punishment because of the terrible unfaithfulness of His people, He spoke of restoration! The restoration He spoke of has not yet been effected, not since the words were spoken by the prophet. Even now, this word has not yet been fulfilled in the foundation of the new state of Israel, but it is coming wonderfully close.
Many say, ‘This can never be the fulfillment of the promise, for the Jews are not devoted to God.’
But who is to pronounce judgment in this matter?
If we read the prophetic words carefully, we see that it is precisely in this that God will be glorified: First God will call His people back from the lands to which He has banished them, back to their own land Israel. Then He will purify them and give them a new heart and move them to keep His laws (Ezekiel 36:26,27). He, the God of Israel, Who wants to be our God as well, will fulfill His word. He calls us too back from our estrangement from Him, in and through Jesus Christ.
And He Who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.