Then, just as the Lord had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and said, “Buy my field at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. Since it is your right to redeem it and possess it, buy it for yourself.” I knew that this was the word of the Lord. Jeremiah 32:8

Jeremiah was imprisoned when Hanamel offered him this land. It was a completely selfish and deceitful act on Hanamel’s part. The town of Anathoth was already in Babylonians hands and Jeremiah wouldn’t be able to possess it. The land was completely worthless. Perhaps Hanamel thought Jeremiah wouldn’t know.

As an act of obedience, Jeremiah buys it but he prays to God with an implied question: “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’” (verse 25).

God replies with a declaration of his Sovereignty and amazing promises of restoration. “Once more fields will be bought in this land of which you say, ‘It is a desolate waste, without people or animals, for it has been given into the hands of the Babylonians.’ Fields will be bought for silver, and deeds will be signed, sealed and witnessed in the territory of Benjamin … because I will restore their fortunes, declares the LORD” (verses 43-45).

Like Jeremiah God calls us to live by faith which often requires us to act as if the future is already here. We are to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Luke 11:2) and look for signs of his kingdom as it works like yeast silently but progressively making a difference (Luke 13:20). Whilst remembering his promise that he will never stop doing good to us (verse 40).