In this chapter we’re drawing close to the destruction of Jerusalem by the hand of the Babylonians during the reign of King Zedekiah (v1). It is a time of siege and Jeremiah has been held captive by the king because of his faithful teaching which was so unpopular (v2-5). The big problem with Jeremiah’s teaching was that it cut across sinful nationalistic pride. The people wanted a message that said they were the greatest and that they would be victorious, but the message Jeremiah brought was that they were sinful and would be enslaved. It is never popular to hear the truth about our sin and deserving judgment, but that is truth that we each need to embrace.

Jeremiah is now told to do something pretty crazy but also wonderfully hopeful during this siege (v6-15). In this dire situation of Jerusalem about to be destroyed, Jeremiah buying a field in his home town, spoke of the wonderful hope of return. Jeremiah’s hope needed to see beyond the current crisis faced to a better day.

Jeremiah showed by his words and actions that he had hope in a better day and if you are a Christian trusting in Jesus, the knowledge that there is a gloriously better time waiting for you should transform your thinking.