1. Buy the field at Anathoth (1-15)

Jerusalem was under siege. Jeremiah had prophesied that the Lord would hand the city over to the Babylonians and send King Zedekiah into exile. He had warned the people not to fight. But, strangely, God told Jeremiah to buy a field and have the transaction properly witnessed.

2. Jeremiah's prayer (16-25)

Jeremiah bought the land. But he couldn't understand why. He prayed, confessing his faith in God's almighty power and unchanging love. Would the imminent Babylonian conquest be averted? No. But buying the land planted hope in people's hearts, for it meant that someday property in this city under siege would again be worth owning.

3. I will punish and I will restore (26-44)

God would carry out his judgment on Jerusalem. Through God's discipline his people would learn to fear and love God with singleness of heart and action.

Application: Lord, help me to act in singleness of heart, so that my life may be pleasing to you.
One Word: God disciplines those he loves