Jeremiah's human condition in captivity was as low as it gets. But in this very situation, when Jeremiah prayed, God revealed to him great mysteries of his will (1-3). God is the God of both judgment and restoration. God would turn his face away from his own city because of its wickedness, and wrath would come on Jerusalem (4-5). Everything seemed hopeless. But God would restore the city through forgiving his people's sins, and joy and gladness would be heard in it again (6-14).

The ultimate forgiveness and restoration that Jeremiah was pointing to is the gospel of Jesus. The symbol of a righteous branch (15) that would sprout from David's family tree refers to Jesus, who brings salvation through his own righteousness (16). The priesthood of Jesus, which we are a part of through the forgiveness of our sins, will never stop ministering to the world (17, 22). The covenant that God makes with us through Jesus is truly unbreakable (20-21, 25-26). This is our confidence no matter what happens.


Application: Father, thank you for your power to restore even after devastating judgment. Thank you for Jesus, the Righteous Branch. Help me never lose hope. Help me pray when I am despairing and see your glorious plan.
One Word: Pray and see God's plan