In Jeremiah 31, there is a phrase that is repeated by the Lord to the hearer of these words. The phrase "The LORD's declaration" occurs 10 times in these 40 verses. These words even appear at times in the middle of a thought or sentence, uniquely placed to garner attention. The message is repeated to ensure a message is known: that God can be trusted.

In Ezra, God's remnant is instructed to recover from their exile with....work. This work would be costly, demanding, and long; but this work actually aimed to bring rest. This rest would be found ultimately in encountering God. At times, we may be exhausted, but Ezra's story can remind us to dwell and rest in a relationship with God.

The prophet Jeremiah tried to warn the king and people to stop sinning and to turn back to God, but they didn't listen. So God sent His judgment by bringing the king of Babylon to Judah. Even in the midst of hardship, God still shared encouragement by reminding His people that He has a saving plan.

This week we begin our Advent Countdown with the story of Mary and Joseph in Luke, and the prophet Jeremiah. Many prophets, including Jeremiah, foretold of God’s promise to send a Savior to Israel. But God’s plan wasn’t exactly fulfilled how people thought it would be.