1-2 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. 3 For behold, days are coming, declares the  Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it.” 4-5 These are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: “Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. 6 Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labour? Why has every face turned pale? 7 Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it.

8-9 “And it shall come to pass in that day, declares the  Lord of hosts, that I will break his  yoke from off your neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him. (or serve him), but they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. 10 “Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, nor be dismayed, O Israel; for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid. 11 For I am with you to save you, declares the Lord; I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished. Jeremiah 30:1-11 (English Standard Version)

In a letter to Christians facing persecution the apostle Peter said: “Don’t be ashamed to suffer for being a Christian, praise God that you belong to Him. God has already begun judging His own people. And if His judgment begins with us - imagine how terrible it will be for those who refuse to obey His message.” (1 Peter 4:16-17) Can you see how that ties in with what God said through Jeremiah in vs 11?

Much of the terrible times the Jews would go through when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and exiled it's people (described in vs 4-6) could be understood as God's rod of discipline. They were reaping what their sins had sown. But God said that, while He was going to pour out His wrath on the nations who had harmed them so badly, He would not make an end of Israel. That's the promise He gave them in vs 3. The promise is enlarged in vs 8-9 where God says they will one day serve their own King again, and not a foreign King. The reference there to David would mean one of his descendants, but ultimately points to the Lord Jesus Christ. What was the wonderful impact this message of God's mercy would have on those who believed it? (vs 10)

Their fears were quietened and their dismay was turned to hope. They realized they still had a future which was safe in God's hands and would one day experience the perfect rest that He would give them. The apostle Paul says something similar about Christians. He wrote: “We have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written . . . knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and  bring us, with you, into His presence.” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Two quick last thoughts. Like Moses, Jeremiah was instructed to write down all the words God had spoken to Him. The Bible is a written record of God's message to mankind. That's why Paul could say our faith is “according to what has been written.” Christianity isn’t based on mere idle legends passed down by word of mouth.

Secondly, what a difference there is between the word of God and the 'woke' ideas of people. Did you notice that in vs 6? Men don't fall pregnant and give birth! There are many today who teach utter nonsense about men and women. We seem to be entering dark days and the world may be ripening fast for judgement. But to His people God says: “Fear not, I will save you.” May we be among those who believe His written word, and who take refuge in Christ.