Jeremiah's unique mission was so difficult. The Lord told him not to marry or raise a family because of the terrible judgment coming on the land (1-2). Even the normal joys of life, such as eating and celebrating weddings, would not take place (8-9). We don't know if such things will happen in our nation and our time. But we are called to be a positive blessing to the people around us. Jesus attended many feasts because he came bearing good news of salvation, blessing those around him (Mt 9:11).

Even though Jeremiah's main message was one of judgment, God also gave him the message of restoration. God's work of bringing Israel back from exile would be as memorable as when he first brought them out of Egypt in Moses' time (14-15).

The gospel message is also a message of judgment for sin and restoration in Jesus. People are already suffering from the curse of their sins, but we are like fishermen whom Jesus sends to restore people to God from all corners of the earth (16). When we don't understand why God allows so much suffering, we should remember the hope of restoration.


Application: Father, thank you for the message of restoration that we can put our hope in even during judgment.
One Word: God restores after punishment.