Just Buy The Field.

In an ancient world of chaos, sin, and destruction, God told Jeremiah, “Just buy the field.”

In our current world of what seems like never ending chaos, sin, and destruction, God instructs the same for us.

Today, it seems like the news has been sharing more and more devastation than we can even keep up with. Hurricanes and wildfires are destroying homes. Relentless shootings are claiming lives. And, there seems like no end to all of the chaos.

Part of me wonders what point there is to investing anything into a world that seems like it’s quickly going down. And a lot of me quickly forgets God’s goodness amidst it all.

Similar devastation was running rampant in the time of Jeremiah the prophet. Because of the Israelites’ disobedient and indifferent hearts towards God, God sent Jeremiah to prophesy of great destruction. Jeremiah spoke of a great disaster that would sweep the Israelites:

“Because of the sword, famine and plague, the city will be given into the hands of the Babylonians who are attacking it. What you said has happened, as you now see" (Jeremiah 32:24).

The verse that follows was so incredibly relatable that I had to laugh:

“And though the city will be given into the hands of the Babylonians, you, Sovereign Lord, say to me, ‘Buy the field with silver and have the transaction witnessed'”(Jeremiah 32:25).

In other words, Jeremiah is saying “Even though all of this land is being destroyed and taken over, you tell me to buy a field.” Jeremiah is questioning why the investment is even worth it.

What seems like an insane investment is actually a sweet promise of restoration. God reminds Jeremiah of the promises He has for the Israelites:

“I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be my people, and I will be their God….I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul" (Jeremiah 32:37-38 & 41).

In this passage, God is reminding Jeremiah and the Israelites that He does not go back on His promises. God is reassuring them that there is still a purpose to investing in His promises. But, in a chaotic world, why even buy a field? Why put down money and request a witness to something that seems hopeless? God swiftly answers that question with: “I will never stop doing good to them” (32:40). And also to us, God will never stop being good in the midst of the seemingly hopeless.

In our current, “out of control” world, God says to us, “Continue to learn, to grow, and to love. Continue to invest in others, in life, and in Me. Help those who need help, and love those who need love. Remain hopeful in My promises for you because I will never stop doing good to you. I know all seems lost to you, but do not lose your trust in Me.”

Just buy the field, sweet friends. And trust God with the rest.

words by Kayla Scott and photo by Shelby Bauer