Jeremiah 31:7-9

“See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here.” vs. 9

Jeremiah dared to look into an unpromising future and conjure up a vision of hope. Israel had already been scattered and its cities destroyed. Thousands had been taken captive and carried away to distant lands. Others had fled south to the security of Jerusalem. But Jeremiah raised up praises to God for what would surely come–a remnant would return. In our time there has been a great reversal. Now it’s the Palestinians who have been scattered, and millions are living in exile, far from the land that their ancestors have occupied for centuries. Their prophets are the Christian pastors and bishops living in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem and like Jeremiah they dare to hope even as they live in the presence of destruction and oppression. As their congregations dwindle and people lose hope, those who remain see themselves as a symbol of hope in the midst of rubble. They trust that the Child of Bethlehem will one day usher in a reign of peace that will be for the people of all nations. As 2024 draws to a close their voices seem weak and their prospects slim, but they have not capitulated to the dominating powers. And they pray for the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s vision for their people and their land!

Thought for the Day: What hope is there for Christian Palestinians?