July 17, 2026 - Jeremiah 25-28

Jeremiah said to the people, “I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened” (25:3).  The people refused and refused and refused to turn from their evil ways.  Still, one more time, Jeremiah called out to them, “Turn now, every one of you, from his evil way and evil deeds, and dwell upon the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers from of old and forever” (25:5).  God’s patience and longsuffering toward his people, toward us, is just amazing.  And aren’t we glad?  If he were to quickly turn away from us because of our sin and stubbornness, none of us would have any hope.  The people did not turn back to God and, so, the prophet announced, “This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years” (25:11-12).  And, sure enough, after 70 years in exile, the Lord raised up Cyrus, king of Persia, to free the people to return home, declaring:  “Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:3).  Israel had hope, not because of any good she had done but because of her God who is faithful.  Same as us.  And so, the people could sing, and we can sing, “Indeed our God has greatly blessed us.”

When God first brought us back from exile,

we were as dazed as those who dream.

Then were our mouths brimming with laughter;

joy from our lips gushed like a stream.

The godless cried in envious wonder,

“Look what the Lord has done for them!”

Indeed our God has greatly blessed us;

rejoice and sing, Jerusalem!   --Carl P. Daw (2002)