Promise of Arrival
(JEREMIAH 33:14-16)
Jeremiah 32 unfolds against the backdrop of Judah’s impending destruction by Babylon. Jeremiah, imprisoned by King Zedekiah for prophesying the fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah’s captivity, receives a command from God: to purchase a field from his cousin. This land purchase act—complete with legal procedures to sign, seal, and store the deeds in earthen vessels—occurs in a time of siege and despair, symbolizing God’s promise of restoration after judgment. Despite Judah’s idolatry and unfaithfulness, which have led to divine judgment, this prophetic obedience serves as a beacon of hope, pointing to the eventual renewal of the land and covenant relationship.
In Jeremiah 33, God speaks to Jeremiah about His plans to restore His people. He doesn’t just aim to return them to their homeland but also to end their rebellious ways that stem from sin. God promises to send a descendant from the line of David who will save the people, cause them to dwell in safety, and provide them with a new identity based not on their actions but on His righteousness (Jeremiah 33:14-16).
During their darkest hour, as they were suffering the consequences of their sin by being seized by Babylon and led into captivity, God gave Israel a promise that He would deliver them and give them new life.
This promise—past, present, and future—refers to Jesus. He came for the first time to fulfill the promise of salvation for all who believe. Jesus has also promised to return, allowing those saved to dwell safely. We live in a time where we can experience both a promise that has been kept and one that has been made. The promise kept is found in Jesus, and the salvation He provides through the cross is real and available to all who trust in Him and confess Him as Lord.
While your salvation may not remove all obstacles or trials in this life, you have another promise to hold onto: the same Jesus you trust for your salvation can be trusted when He returns to bring you to a safe dwelling—a new heaven and a new earth where all things will be glorified, and there will be no more threats of death, destruction, devastation, defilement, or darkness.
Furthermore, through Jesus, we receive a new identity. Our sinful behaviors or poor choices do not determine this identity; instead, it is rooted in His righteousness. This is how God perceives us and refers to us by a new name: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
On this first Sunday of Advent, as we light the candle of Hope, we reflect on the promises made and those that have been fulfilled. We remember the promise of Arrival when God sent His Son to redeem us and the assurance that He will send His Son again to fulfill all that we could ever hope for or imagine. God has given us both something to possess- salvation, something to hope for, to dwell in safety, and to experience a new identity forevermore. Happy Advent!
Peace be with you!
Pastor Bruce
