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Background• Jeremiah served in late 7th-early 6th century BC
• His job was to announce the coming destruction of the southern kingdom
• This was during the time of the Babylonians destroying Jerusalem, and all of Judah and taking many prisoners/captives (e.g. Daniel and the Hebrew boys)
Background
• A letter is sent to these people in exile through emissaries
• It counters the message of false prophets who said the exile would be short in duration
• It gives them direction regarding God’s will over the coming decades of being prisoners
A Hopeful Word
• This is written to people in duress
• They would not want to hear this news
• Think of young boys being thrown in fires and young men into lion’s dens
• Not a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” moment
A Hopeful Word
• Jeremiah’s message is not meant to discourage
• He reminds them that they have not been forgotten by the Lord
• He reminds them the Lord is in control and will deliver in His time and way
A Hopeful Word
• This passage reminds us of that great word:
COVENANT
• Deuteronomy 7:6-9
• God will remain faithful, no matter what to those who are His
A Hopeful Word
• John 10:27-29—Safe in His hands• Romans 8:1—Never to be condemned• Romans 8:38-39—Secure in His love• Philippians 1:6—Assured of His process• Jude 1:24—Destined for acceptance• 2 Timothy 2:13—At peace in His possession
Inevitable Dark Places
• We enter into a covenant with a God who is determined to remake us
• That means we find ourselves in difficult places
• This is not a verse about self fulfillment and prosperity through “claiming it”
Inevitable Dark Places
• Hebrews 12:3-13
• This word is to give light when we are in dark places
• It is not a word to avoid them
A Contingent Word
• This word cannot likewise be usedto promote “cheap grace”
• God is out to bless me, and I am safe no matter what
• There seems to be disconnect at this point in some minds
A Contingent Word
• Disobedience has disrupted the process of God working in and through them
• True believers are committed to obeying Him
• Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; Mark 13:13