As mentioned in the previous article, I will often review the NIV and NASB translations while preparing a lesson (along with others, as the opportunity permits). In the passage below, though, the word “Nevertheless” (NIV) may very well be a good translation, but I like the first word of verse 6 in the NASB: “Behold”.
Personally, I think that “Behold!” is an introduction that we should use more often in our day-to-day conversation. It reminds us to stop and take a look at something: something amazing. Sometimes, I know that I get too busy working on things with my head down, and I need a reminder to look up and behold the wonderful things that God is doing.
If you read the previous article, you may recall that Jeremiah 33:4-5 described some pretty terrible things that were going to happen in Jerusalem. This next promise from God is something amazing, though, and worth the time for us to pause and reflect upon.
“ ‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.
Jeremiah 33:6-8 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jer.33.6-8.NIV
At this point, I would like you (as I invited my Sunday School class when first teaching this lesson) to pause and think about a challenge that you are facing.
- What situation is currently hurting you (or a loved one)?
- What physical condition is just so frustrating because you can’t find a cure?
- What causes you to just cry out to God for something – anything – that will help?
Do you have something in mind? (I can wait a minute, but I suspect that many of us don’t have to think long before remembering what that thing is.)
Now, let’s see what God is promising for Jerusalem:
- Health
- Healing (also “a remedy”, in the NASB)
- Peace (“abundant peace”, no less, and apparently – per the Lookout – this is “shalom”)
- Security (or “truth” in the NASB)
- Restoration
- Rebuilding
- Cleansing from sins
- Forgiveness
So, in light of what your current burden is, do you believe that God can still do all of those things: for you, for your loved ones, for anyone? While we might long for God’s timing to be faster, these are all blessings that are well within God’s power to bestow. In fact, this sounds a lot like Revelation 21 (see verses 1-5).
When God tells the Israelites that “The days are coming” when He will fulfill His promise, they can take that to the bank! This is indeed something to behold!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for July 30, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, July 30, 2023, © 2023 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Jeremiah-Lamentations, by Timothy M. Willis. © 2002 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 