2 August 2022

Thus says the Lord:
I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob,
and have compassion on his dwellings;
the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound,
and the citadel set on its rightful site.
Out of them shall come thanksgiving,
and the sound of merrymakers.

From Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22, NRSV

Today’s reading comes from a part of the Book of Jeremiah called “The Book of Consolation”. We often associate Jeremiah with words prophesying doom and disaster – it is not for nothing that Jeremiah is often called “The Weeping Prophet”. However, Jeremiah was also allowed to give this message of hope for Israel in which we hear God’s promise of redemption and restoration. Through the prophet Jeremiah, we hear words of longing for the time when the wayward people of Israel will once again be in close relationship with their God.

• • Why do you think the restoration of the Covenant relationship mattered so much to God?
  • Does God ever withdraw love and forgiveness?

Give thanks for the moments of consolation in your own life.