Jeremiah 32:17 NASB
I guess if you've been around Christian music more than a few years you recognize that song. This was a prayer by Jeremiah as a profession of faith in God's coming restoration of His kingdom in Judea. It was said on the eve of the destruction of Jerusalem by the armies of Babylon. You see, Jeremiah had just purchased some of the Benjamin tribal territory from his cousin Hanamel. He did this while the armies of Babylon camped outside the gates of Jerusalem ready to strike. And this testimony of faith was done in front of the king and the high priest in the royal palace.
The deed to the land would be sealed in an earthenware pot, in order to last a very long time. So long was the exile in Babylon that Jeremiah would not enjoy this new purchase in his lifetime. Of course the contract would be nullified when the government of Judea was overthrown, but the promise of God to return His people to the land of their forefathers was Jeremiah's assurance of things hoped for, and conviction of things not seen. He was one of those who were stoned, sawn in two, tempted, put to death with the sword; who went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy). Hebrews 11:1, 37-38 NASB
Jeremiah traded this little bit of silver for a piece of the land of promise. What a lesson for us. To trust God enough to trade our worldly pleasure here for an eternal treasure there! God, whose outstretched powerful right arm (Jesus) made heaven and earth, is worthy of our faith and our praise! Nothing is too difficult for Him, even to give us "what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him. I Corinthians 2:9 NASB
If you remember this song, remember Jeremiah and his purchase of heaven's promised land.
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