A Promise of Restoration

 A Promise of Restoration

 

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 30:1-24

 

Jeremiah 30:8-9

“And it shall come to pass in that day, declares the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him.[a] 9 But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.

(ESV)

 

While my handyman skills are definitely lacking, I still enjoy watching home improvement programs on television. I find it fascinating that people have the skills to take an extremely run-down home and restore it to something beautiful. However, these restoration skills pale in comparison to the restoration done by Jesus on the cross. The passage in Jeremiah 30:1-24 provides an Old Testament account of the graciousness of God towards His people despite their failure to worship only God and practice duplicitous worship of God and the pagan gods of the land. While not recorded in scripture, I am sure many reading these words of prophecy from God found comfort in knowing God would restore them and place them back in their land.

 

The passage begins with God giving Jeremiah a word to deliver to those in exile but, unlike other prophecies, this one brings hope of restoration (Jeremiah 30:1-3). The passage then lets the exiles know that the Lord is aware of the panic and terror they are experiencing (Jeremiah 30:4-6), ending with the Lord declaring their tribulation is great but that the Lord will save Jacob out of their distress (Jeremiah 30:7). The Lord then promises to break the yoke off their necks and burst their bonds with foreigners no longer making servants out of God’s people (Jeremiah 30:8). Instead of a future of exile, the future for God’s people is bright with them returning to their land to serve the Lord their God and have David as their king whom God will raise up for them (Jeremiah 30:9). This is a reference to Jesus, from the lineage of David who would come to save the world from sin.

 

God reminds His people not to fear or be dismayed because the Lord intends to save His people and bring to an end the nations where God scattered His people in exile (Jeremiah 30:10-11). However, God also intends to discipline His people, for their sins cannot go unpunished. The Lord then lets His people know the hurt from their sin is incurable and grievous but later promises to restore health to them (Jeremiah 30: 13, 17). While these statements seem contradictory, it is a promise that nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). The sins of Judah and Israel are incurable by human standards but find a cure through the grace of God just as our sins have full forgiveness at the cross (John 19:30). God reminds His people that their gods were of no help and that restoration and the defeat of the nations holding Israel and Judah captive will occur (Jeremiah 30:14-16). 

 

Not only did God restore the health of God’s people, but the people will also have a complete restoration of their property and the rebuilding of their cities. Instead of panic and distress, the people will sing songs of thanksgiving and celebration (Jeremiah 30:19). God also promises a restoration of identity with Israel and Judah once again identified as children of God (Jeremiah 30:20-22). The word from the Lord ends with the Lord describing a storm of wrath from the Lord that will burst upon the wicked with the fierce anger of the Lord not turning back until the Lord accomplishes his intentions (Jeremiah 30:23-24).

 

Judah and Israel have committed grievous sins and have an incurable wound (Jeremiah 30:12). However, God is a gracious God who promises to heal their wounds and restore their health (Jeremiah 30:17). Because of God's grace towards His people, the people will sing songs of thanksgiving and have something for which to celebrate (Jeremiah 30:19). As promised, God’s plan for those in captivity was not their destruction but their good (Jeremiah 29:11). The discipline given by God to Judah and Israel came in just measure, allowing them to repent and experience full restoration from God.

 

All humanity has sinned and missed the mark with God (Romans 3:23). The result of this sin is an incurable wound carrying the death penalty (Romans 6:23). However, God has provided a gift of grace for humanity, His Son Jesus Christ. So powerful is this gift that one believing in Jesus and making a profession of faith in Jesus as their Savior is saved and receives eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). Like any gift, one must accept the gift of salvation and open it for the recipient to receive any benefits. If you are reading this and have not accepted God's gift of salvation, I invite you to do so by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.