Author: Administrador

Hope often comes in the middle of judgment. Belief and courage become most pronounced in the face of despair. This week’s passage continues the lectionary’s sampling of texts that deal with the multi-faceted theme of judgment in the book of Jeremiah. Chapter 32 contains an audacious prophetic sign of future restoration. Though Jeremiah has been … Continue reading “Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Commentary by Frank M. Yamada”

This passage stands out as marking Jeremiah’s centrality to the Old Testament. The strengths of Jeremiah’s character emerge at a most difficult time in the Holy Land’s history. The Babylonians are devastating Jerusalem, and its inhabitants turn in many directions as hope is scarce. Jeremiah boldly invests (literally!) in the Holy Land’s future. When others … Continue reading “Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Commentary by Garrett Galvin”

It is said that hope springs eternal. There are times, however, when hope is hard to find. Where is the hope when the dread of war is reality? Where is the hope when the lone voice of the one God commissioned to bring hope is locked away in prison? Where is the hope when leaders … Continue reading “Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Commentary by Alphonetta Wines”

From the very beginning of his ministry, Jeremiah was “appoint[ed] . . . over nations and kingdoms, to pluck up and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (1:10; see 18:9; 24:6; 31:28; 45:4). In today’s lectionary reading, chapter 36 focuses on God’s judgment — plucking up and pulling down, … Continue reading “Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; 31:31-34 Commentary by J. Clinton McCann”

Commentary for these texts is forthcoming. PRAYER OF THE DAY God, whose fondness for humanity knows no limit,Write your word upon our hearts, so that we need no scroll, no book, no script to know that you love us. Show us the power of your covenant, that you will be faithful to us, even when we fail … Continue reading “Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; then 31:31-34 Commentary by Roger Nam”

In the first chapter of this book six verbs define the ministry of Jeremiah: pluck up, pull down, destroy, overthrow, build and plant (1:10). Throughout much of the book, the prophet has plucked up, pulled down, destroyed and overthrown as he accused the people of violating the covenant that God had established with them (especially … Continue reading “Jeremiah 31:31-34 Commentary by Charles L. Aaron, Jr.”

The book of Jeremiah is dominated by doom and gloom, condemning the people of Judah for their great sin and announcing the imminent destruction of the nation and the exile to Babylon that would come in 587 BCE. A Diamond in the Rough In the midst of this dark valley of despair and judgment in … Continue reading “Jeremiah 31:31-34 Commentary by Dennis Olson”

The end of the church year brings several special occasions or festivals (Reformation, All Saints, Christ the King), which, like all such days, inevitably cause the preacher to ponder whether to preach on the event or on the text. The answer for Reformation Day is clear: preach the text—it is pretty much what the “event” … Continue reading “Jeremiah 31:31-34 Commentary by Fred Gaiser”

On this Reformation Sunday, we hear words of promise from the prophet Jeremiah, words about a new covenant and a renewed relationship between God and God’s people. The words are addressed to a people in exile, far from home and bereft of hope. The covenant between God and Israel, the covenant made so long ago … Continue reading “Jeremiah 31:31-34 Commentary by Kathryn M. Schifferdecker”

Hope for a renewed future is an apropos theme on this fifth Sunday of Lent. We are in the season of the church where careful reflection and repentance are the call of the hour. In the rhythmic seasons of the church, we are now at the end of a long Lenten journey. We are filled … Continue reading “Jeremiah 31:31-34 Commentary by Mark S. Gignilliat”