The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time with a promise of restoration. Remember he has just been told to buy a field at the most inopportune time. When God tells us to do something that is totally against all reasonable expectations He often provides multiple encouragements as well. Jeremiah is urged to ask of God, and is promised that he will be told deep and unsearchable things. A basic truth is that we cannot work out all that God will do, nor all that He is. This does not mean that we do not use our minds, but that we need to recognise the limits of our minds.
Judah would indeed suffer great judgement, but then would come even greater restoration. Peace, prosperity and healing would come. They will also be cleansed of their sin. Moreover, the nations would see and be amazed. We live in a time when Christians are scorned by society, and increasingly so. We need to know that there will come a time when the world will look on in amazement at God's goodness.
Complete transformation would take place, and once again people would declare that the Lord is good. Fruitfulness and prosperity would return, and in the very place that was now desolate.
How would all this happen? The key would be "the Branch", a messianic term referring to Jesus. He would be righteous and would obey the Lord completely. There would be a uniting of the kingly rule and the priestly office.
The section closes with the Lord making it absolutely clear that He is determined to make this happen, there is no doubt about it.
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