“This is what the Lord says: ‘Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded, declares the Lord. They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 31:16-17a).
Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, had every reason to weep. God’s people were disobedient to Him, they worshiped idols, sacrificed their children, were dishonest, and were being led astray by their leaders. Jeremiah must have breathed a sigh of relief when God gave him those words in chapter 31. In the previous chapter God had revealed details about the restoration of Israel. Yes, things were bad in Jeremiah’s day and the situation broke his heart but he was faithful. He didn’t give up. He knew there was hope. God’s people had a future.
Jeremiah understood that his work would be rewarded. He knew God’s compassion and forgiveness through the promise of restoration. Then Jeremiah got a glimpse of the future when God revealed He would make a new covenant.
It seems our day and time is a bit like Jeremiah’s. (last week’s blog) There are situations that make me weep. My prayer list is long. But, just like Jeremiah, we have hope and a future. We are living under the new covenant God revealed to Jeremiah. There is no other covenant to save us other than the death and resurrection of Jesus. He died and rose again to give us hope and a future. Our work for the Kingdom will be rewarded, prayers will be answered, and strength given for the tasks. God is working in our day just as He was in Jeremiah’s.
Even in our weeping we can rejoice. Jesus is preparing a place for His people where all weeping and suffering will end. His mercies are new every morning and we have a future to look forward to. Share the good news with those who need to hear!
Peter’s words in 2 Peter 3:9 encourage us as we wait for Jesus’ return. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”