“But now take a look. I’m going to give this city a renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I’m going to show them a life whole, brimming with blessings. I’ll restore everything that was lost to Judah and Jerusalem. I’ll build everything back as good as new. I’ll scrub them clean from the dirt they’ve done against Me. I’ll forgive everything they’ve done wrong, forgive all their rebellions. And Jerusalem will be a center of joy and praise and glory for all the countries on earth. They’ll get reports on all the good I’m doing for her. They’ll be in awe of the blessings I am pouring on her.” (Jeremiah 33:6-9 MSG)
Aftermath oracles are my new favorite. I find them especially refreshing amidst the heavy indictment and judgement prophecies (here’s what you did, these are the consequences). Aftermath oracles hinge on repentance. Meaning the sinners get far enough in the story of destruction that they finally wake up and realize how good they had it with God. They turn their hearts back toward Him and upon confession, they find Him right there, ready to be enfolded in His embrace once more. We see it in the prodigal son parable but also in the story of God’s people. Sin carries sinners to a foreign land but confession carries them back on broad shoulders. Aftermath oracles promise that God has plans for His people after they return to Him.
“The last word is, I will have mercy on them.” (Jeremiah 33:26 MSG)
Lord, we long for You to have the last word in our life. We realize that sin takes us far away. We repent, we want to live close. Thank You for Your promise of restoration. We’ll be made new in You. Amen.