Proper 21 Year C

Proper 21

Jeremiah 32.1–15
1 Timothy 6.6–19
Luke 16.19–end

Among the many symbolic actions Jeremiah was commanded to perform, this one stands out as a sign, not of judgement, but of hope: hope for God’s restoration the other side of judgement. Resurrection hope, if you like. He is commanded to put his money where his mouth has been (Jeremiah 31 predicts God’s new covenant with Israel): in the teeth of enemy invasion and imminent disaster, he is to buy a field. I am reminded of Martin Luther, who declared that if he knew the kingdom of God was to come tomorrow, he would go out and plant a tree...