Thus says the Lord of hosts: The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon.
Jeremiah 50:33-34
This promise of redemption was given to Judah in the earliest days of their captivity. It had to seem nearly ridiculous. Babylon was at the zenith of empire when God promised their end. The Jews had just seen Jerusalem burned and what little cultural treasures they had were ransacked. Their finest warriors were dead. Those with strength left in them were forcibly marched to Babylon by family as war captives, far from home, yet in this promise they were still very near to the heart of God.
The Lord announced the defeat of Babyon and the return of His people to their homes even as the weariness of the march to captivity was fresh upon them. He saw their suffering. He would honor His covenant with them again. He would restore His people. No empoire of human might can withstand this decree. Babylon would fade into ancient history. And God would prosper His people once more in Israel.
God redeems, restores, and brings rest to the weary. Even when we suffer for our sin, He is merciful as we return to Him. He knows my pains and cares for me. And no act of man can stop the wild love of God from changing what He wills for me. That promise is always true. And I will trust in that.
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