Daily Encouragementنموونە

At the very time when Nebuchadnezzar’s army was besieging Jerusalem and Jeremiah was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, the Lord directed him to buy a field at Anathoth. The prophet had no doubt about the guidance. When his cousin made the offer he did not hesitate: “I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field” (verses 8-9). He did it publicly, as a witness: “for this is what the Lord Almighty . . . says: “Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land” (verse 15).

He gave the documents to Baruch to put “in a clay jar.” They could be preserved in it for up to 2,000 years! Then he began to wonder. It was hardly the most opportune time to purchase property! Such a surge of doubt or depression frequently follows a bold exercise of faith. It is natural, if not a spiritual reaction.

Jeremiah turned to the Lord in prayer, the door, which is always open for his servants. The keynote of his prayer is this: “Nothing is too hard for you” (verse 17). He is reminded of this truth as he reviews the mighty work of God in creation and redemption. Then the Lord answers him, echoing his owns words: “Is anything too hard for me?” God confirms his word to those who believe his word. That is one of the hallmarks of his encouragement.