“I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver. I signed and sealed the deed, had it witnessed, and weighted out the silver on the scales…”

Jeremiah 32:8-10

I bought my diesel truck 1 week before diesel gas prices skyrocketed. One week! I didn’t even get a chance to fill it up once with fuel at a reasonable price. The week I bought it it was at or under $3.00 a gallon. I’m lucky when I get it close to $4 these days. In those first few months it was north of $5 a gallon.

I needed the truck to pull our travel trailer. But, I still cringe at the fuel prices.

Have you ever purchased something with incredible poor timing?

This is the story of the Jeremiah’s prophetic act that is hinted at in today’s reading. Honestly, if you have the time, it is worth reading the whole chapter to give you better context. But I’ll summarize it for you.

God is bringing judgement on Israel. Later in the chapter the Lord says, ‘The people of Israel and Judah have done nothing but evil in my sight from their youth…. (they) have done nothing but arouse my anger with what their hands have made” (verse 30). God is moving against the nation of Israel. And He is using the nation of Babylon as His tool of judgement.

This foreign power is marching on the gates of Israel. Their defeat is imminent. God’s judgement is being poured out.

In this moment, Jeremiah goes out and buys a big chunk of land. This act would be similar to investing in farmland in the Ukraine today. Or setting up a new business venture in the Gaza Strip. It makes no sense and is utterly foolish. I thought the timing of my diesel truck was bad.

Why would Jeremiah buy expensive property when the entire nation was on the brink of disaster and devastation? 

Because He trusts the Lord. And this act of hope is a beacon of light in the darkness. Jeremiah prophetically purchases this land to stake a claim on hope for the people. The land—the Promised Land—has always been a vital part of the identity of Israel. It’s part of the reason for the conflict that exists in this region today.

As Jeremiah purchases land he is declaring to the people that God is faithful. Even if it doesn’t seems so currently. God remember’s His promises. The Faithful One is dependable—even if the present circumstances tell a different story. 

This remains true today. Things may be rough for you currently. But, our hope in Christ Jesus is certain of a singular truth that changes everything—in Jesus you will live. Through Jesus you will know life eternal.

Jeremiah makes this land purchase as a way to live into that promised future presently. He has borrowed against God’s promise and is living in that hope today. He is showing all who know him and his actions that, even in the face of exile, there is still a future in this land. As foolish as this deed is, in God’s hands and with a mind towards God’s timing, this remains a wise investment.

I share this scripture with you today because, in the midst of darkness, I want to borrow against God’s promises and God’s hope. I want to live His future today, even when our today’s are marked by darkness and hardship. The reality is, we could use some hope today. We could use some kindness and love today. For ourselves and for others.

Saturday night was a dark night in our nations history. We witnessed an assassination attempt in the midst of a campaign rally. Politics are something we get passionate about. And the divisive language in our political spheres has driven a wedge through our country in recent years. 

What does hope look like in light of this? What will it take for us to find common ground with our political adversaries? What does it look like for us to seek the best, not the worst, in those who see things differently? How can we find a way forward together.

My hope is that this is the real estate that you stake a claim in during the days and weeks ahead. Invest in it. Set up shop. Make yourself comfortable in this unique place that is marked by compassion, connection, and community.

Borrow the hope of tomorrow–God’s tomorrow–to inform the way you live today.

Risk kindness. Lead with love—even if all signs point to it being rejected. Cultivate joy where tears are welling up. How can you buy some property in a war zone this week? Not because it is a wise investment but because it declares a word of hope that is sweet music to the ears of those shrouded in darkness.

How will you invest love and kindness in others this week? Even if it seems foolish to do so.