Daily Devotional | Promise of Restoration

Does God always give us what we deserve? Thankfully, no! Jeremiah chapters 30 to 33 are often called “the Book of Consolation.” Pastor and author Dane Ortlund explains this is “because God reveals to his people in these chapters his final response to their sinfulness, and it is not what they deserve. Expecting judgment, he surprises them with comfort. Why? Because he had pulled them into his heart, and they cannot sin their way out of it.” Despite their repeated sinful behavior, God tells them, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3).

Even though Jeremiah delivered chapter after chapter of judgment of sin, our God is ever faithful! He was not faithful in the way the people of Judah assumed. They thought they could presume on their “chosen” status and escape the consequences of their sin. Instead, God is ever faithful in His own way and in His own time.

Israel’s sin would indeed lead to judgment, but God promised to one day restore them to the land. Even with Jerusalem and the Temple lost, He would be their God and they would be His people (v. 1). Even while disciplining them, He never stopped loving them, just as He does with us today (Heb. 12:5–11).

Today’s passage paints a beautiful picture of what Israel’s restoration will be like. God will provide for them and give them rest (vv. 2, 9, 12–14). They will again experience His love and kindness (v. 3). Cities will be rebuilt, the land will flourish (vv. 4–5). They will dance and sing as they worship Him (vv. 4, 6–7, 12–13). These images look forward not only to the return from exile (starting in 538 B.C.) but also to the Messianic Age.

>> From all of us on the Today in the Word team, Happy Resurrection Sunday! What was good news for Israel is good news for us as well. God loves you. Please accept His gift of salvation today!

Extended reading: Jeremiah 30–31