Tues’s Devo - The Time of Restoration

Read: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 25:18-19 This time God told Jeremiah not to say his prophecy but to write it down since it would be relevant for the generation returning in 70 years. They could look forward to the restoration of their fortunes when He brings them home again. *** This word was not only for Judah but for all the tribes of Israel. He saw the time of trouble when Cyrus, the Persian king would conquer Babylon. Men would act like women because of their fear. God told them not to be afraid because it was his doing. He was bringing them back to their home land. Then he would destroy the people who destroyed them. *** As for now, their sins were many and they would be punished. The time would come when the ones who devoured them would be devoured and all their enemies would be sent into exile. What thad been done to God’s people would happen to them. Israel would be established as a nation and have a ruler from their own people. He would be invited into God’s throne room and He would be their God. Israel would return with tears of joy and be lead home safely. *** Jeremiah addressed the nations that God was gathering his people and redeeming Israel from nations that were stronger than them. They would come home with songs of joy and enjoy the blessings of God on their land. Their land would yield abundant crops and they would be watered like a garden. Their mourning would be turned into joy. *** In verse 15 the tone changes as a cry is heard in Ramah. Rachael is crying for her children. Ramah was where Rachael died delivering Benjamin. All her life she had lamented not having children and now she would be leaving the ones she had. Ramah was also the place the Jews were gathered before being marched to Babylon. *** Jeremiah reminded them of the pain of Rachael which made their deliverance even sweeter. Her children would return from the land of the enemy. God had always loved Israel though he had had to severely punish him. *** Jeremiah told the people to mark road signs in their minds so they would know the way home. The best part was that Israel would return to the Lord and God would give them peace. *** Paul told the people to pray for the people in authority over them that they may live in peace. It is God’s desire to reconcile everyone to him. Paul was sent to the Gentiles to offer them the gift of salvation. He longed to see men in every place of worship holding up their hands and praying to the Lord. *** He told the women how they could honor God in their dress and appearance. Ephesus was a Greek city where women were worshipped as gods. So, he told the women to be quiet and let the men rise up and take their authority. *** Lord, may your blessing come to your people and may they see what your mighty hand is doing.