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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jeremiah said, “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jer 32:17). I praise you today as the mighty God, the God whose name is the Lord of hosts. You are “great in counsel and mighty in deed, and your eyes are open to all the ways of the children of man, rewarding each one according to his ways” (Jer 32:19). I can trust you no matter what comes my way, for you are the King of kings and Lord of lords! Today in Your Word Today you told me more of what happened during the third and final siege of Jerusalem. While Jeremiah stayed in the guardhouse, your word concerning Egypt came to Ezekiel. Pharaoh Hophra had interrupted Nebuchad-nezzar’s siege of Jerusalem, and the people of Judah thought their political alliance with Egypt was going to save them. But Egypt was interfering with your plan to judge Jerusalem through Babylon, and so they too came under your wrath. You promised to make Egypt a “desolation” for forty years, and to scatter the Egyptians among the nations. When the forty years were over, you would return the Egyptians to their land, but their kingdom would not have its former power, and Israel would never again put their trust in Egypt rather than you. Sure enough, Babylon defeated Egypt in 568 bc, and it never again became a superpower in the ancient world. Some forty years later, the Persians allowed the Egyptians to return home, thus fulfilling your prophecy through Ezekiel. This shows me the futility of ignoring your word and trusting in the might of man. It also teaches me that those who resist your plans make themselves your enemies. I should be careful not to defy the authority of a leader that is carrying out your divine will—even if that leader is wicked! Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the Babylonians had returned to the city after dealing with Hophra, and their siege ramps were reaching toward its walls. In despair, the people mourned the fate of Jerusalem—it was about to be destroyed forever. In the middle of this desperate situation, you told Jeremiah to buy a field! His purchase signified that one day you would restore your people to Jerusalem. Just as you had brought disaster on them, you would bring good on them. “Fields shall be bought in this land of which you are saying, ‘It is a desolation, without man or beast’” (Jer 32:43). This reminds me that you are indeed, “the Lord, the God of all flesh” (Jer 32:27). Nothing is too hard for you! When things look hopeless, I need to look up and see your mighty arm. Rather than giving in to despair, I should rejoice at the thought that one day, I will be a part of the glorious kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! Reflection It’s clear from today’s reading that the future good you have planned should be an encouragement for me today. When I’m discouraged, do I meditate on the health and healing that will come in that future restoration? (see Jer 33:3–8). Request Father, the people of Jeremiah’s day doubted your word and questioned your promise (Jer 33:24). Help me to stand firm in the faith and believe you no matter what may come! Thanksgiving Thank you for the promise: “In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jer 33:15). Come, Lord Jesus! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “My God, How Wonderful Thou Art” — Frederick W. Faber. Meditation Verse: Jeremiah 33:14.