This promise comes from God as Jerusalem is sitting in ruins, most of its inhabitants having been carried off to Babylon. Yet, even as God allows the children of Judah to suffer the consequences of their actions, God’s care and love remains steadfast. In fact, God promises that things will get better and we, of course, read this as the promise of Jesus, the true branch of God’s righteousness.
Are there areas in your life or in the world that feel like they are “in ruins”? Are there any hopeful signs of new life springing forth? How does the promise in this reading affect the way you view these situations?
In prayer, offer these situations up to God and find reassurance that all will be well.