Buying the Field: A Call to Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Hope in the Midst of Fear and Division

Even when fear and division seem to dominate our world, God calls His people to look beyond the chaos and trust in His presence. Like Jeremiah, who faced imprisonment and isolation for standing up for truth and justice, we may feel powerless or silenced by the weight of injustice around us. Yet, God’s love fills our hearts and our homes, inviting us to worship without fear and to be united by His Spirit. In times when society is fractured and voices of hostility grow louder, God’s people are called to be different—to be a community marked by hope, compassion, and unity, even when it feels risky or countercultural. [01:04]

Jeremiah 32:6-9 (ESV)
"Jeremiah said, 'The word of the Lord came to me: Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you and say, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours." Then Hanamel my cousin came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said to me, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself." Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord. And I bought the field at Anathoth from Hanamel my cousin, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver.'"

Reflection: Where do you see fear and division in your community, and how might God be inviting you to respond with hope and unity today?

Day 2: Faith in Action—Planting Seeds of Hope

Jeremiah’s act of buying a field in a war-torn land seemed foolish to those around him, but it was a powerful demonstration of faith in God’s promise for the future. Even when surrounded by despair and apparent hopelessness, Jeremiah chose to look up—to see the stars instead of just the mud. His obedience became a prophetic sign that God had not abandoned His people, and that hope could be planted even in the soil of despair. In our own lives, small acts of faith—whether a prayer, a kind gesture, or a step toward justice—can become seeds of hope for others, testifying that God’s future is greater than our present fears. [06:19]

Jeremiah 32:14-15 (ESV)
"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware vessel, that they may last for a long time. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.'"

Reflection: What is one small, concrete act of faith you can take today to plant hope in a place of despair?

Day 3: God’s Promises Stand in the Face of Despair

God does not deny the reality of suffering, division, or loss, but He declares that these things will not have the final word. The promise that “houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land” is a declaration that God’s faithfulness endures, even when circumstances seem bleak. This assurance invites us to trust that God is working for restoration and peace, and to live as people who hold onto hope, even when surrounded by uncertainty. [11:38]

Jeremiah 32:42-44 (ESV)
"For thus says the Lord: Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them. Fields shall be bought in this land of which you are saying, 'It is a desolation, without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.' Fields shall be bought for money, and deeds shall be signed and sealed and witnessed, in the land of Benjamin, in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the Shephelah, and in the cities of the Negeb; for I will restore their fortunes, declares the Lord."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s promise of restoration, even when you cannot yet see the outcome?

Day 4: Every Act of Compassion is a Field Bought in Faith

Every time we choose to pray, to serve, to welcome the stranger, or to offer kindness, we are “buying the field”—investing in God’s future rather than giving in to despair. These acts may seem small or insignificant, but they are powerful testimonies to a world in need of hope. God calls us to be a people who do not amplify fear or division, but who instead sow seeds of compassion, justice, and peace, trusting that He will bring the harvest in His time. [10:00]

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Reflection: Who is someone you can reach out to with a simple act of compassion today, trusting that God can use it to bring hope?

Day 5: Living as a People of Hope, Not Fear

God’s call is for His people to live by hope and not by fear, to keep “buying the field” even when the world seems dark. The future God promises is sure, and His faithfulness endures through every season. As a church and as individuals, we are invited to be voices of hope, to extend welcome to the stranger, and to trust that God’s story is not finished. Let us be a people who look up, see the stars, and live as witnesses to the hope that is found in Christ. [12:22]

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Reflection: What is one fear you need to surrender to God today so that you can live more fully as a person of hope?

Sermon Summary

In a world marked by fear, division, and uncertainty, God calls us to be people of hope. The story of Jeremiah, imprisoned and surrounded by chaos, resonates deeply with our own times. Jeremiah faced not only personal suffering but also witnessed his community torn apart by war and despair. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, God instructed him to do something that seemed utterly foolish: to buy a field in a land already overtaken by the enemy. This act was not just a business transaction; it was a prophetic sign, a declaration that God’s promises endure even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Jeremiah’s obedience, despite the apparent futility, became a powerful witness to God’s faithfulness. By purchasing the field, Jeremiah planted a seed of hope in the soil of despair, showing that God had not abandoned his people or his promises. This act was a tangible reminder that the future is not defined by present suffering, but by God’s enduring love and faithfulness. The sealed deed, preserved in a jar, symbolized a future restoration—a time when houses, fields, and vineyards would once again flourish.

Today, we too are surrounded by division and fear, with voices that seek to separate and exclude. Yet, like Jeremiah, we are invited to look beyond the mud of hopelessness and see the stars of God’s promise. Every act of compassion, every prayer, every gesture of welcome, no matter how small, is a way of “buying the field”—investing in God’s future even when it seems impossible. We are called not to amplify the noise of fear, but to be voices of hope, justice, and unity.

As individuals and as a church, our faith is made visible in the choices we make to love, to serve, and to hope. God’s promise remains: the land will be restored, and hope will rise again. Let us be a people who live by hope, who keep “buying the field,” trusting that God’s future is sure and his faithfulness endures.

Key Takeaways

1. Hope is an Act of Defiance In times of fear and division, choosing hope is not passive optimism but a courageous act of faith. Jeremiah’s purchase of the field was a bold declaration that God’s promises outlast present suffering. When we act in hope, we challenge the narrative of despair and bear witness to a future shaped by God’s faithfulness. [06:19]
2. Faith Often Looks Foolish to the World Obedience to God sometimes means taking steps that seem irrational or wasteful in the eyes of others. Jeremiah’s investment in a war-torn land was a prophetic sign, not a practical decision. Our willingness to trust God’s leading, even when it defies logic, can become a powerful testimony to those around us. [04:58]
3. Small Acts Can Plant Seeds of Restoration The field Jeremiah bought became a symbol of hope for an entire nation. Likewise, our seemingly small acts—prayer, kindness, advocacy, hospitality—can plant seeds that God uses to bring about restoration and healing in our communities. No act of faithfulness is wasted in God’s economy. [09:14]
4. God’s Promises Stand Amidst the Mud of Despair God does not deny the reality of suffering, division, or loss. Yet, he declares that these are not the end of the story. Even when we see only mud, God invites us to look up and trust in his promise of renewal and restoration. [11:38]
5. The Church is Called to Be a Beacon of Hope In a world that amplifies fear and division, the church is called to embody and proclaim hope, compassion, and unity. Every time we choose to welcome the stranger, serve the vulnerable, or worship faithfully, we “buy the field” and point to the reality of God’s coming kingdom. [10:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - The Atmosphere of Fear and Division
[01:48] - Protests, Injustice, and Silence
[03:02] - Jeremiah’s Imprisonment and Suffering
[03:55] - The Groans of a City in Crisis
[04:58] - Looking Up: Mud or Stars
[06:19] - Buying the Field: Faith in Action
[08:05] - Planting Seeds of Hope
[09:14] - Practical Ways to “Buy the Field”
[10:00] - The Church’s Call to Hope
[11:38] - Trusting God’s Promise
[12:22] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Jeremiah 32:6-15 (ESV) — 6 Jeremiah said, “The word of the Lord came to me: 7 Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you and say, ‘Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours.’ 8 Then Hanamel my cousin came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said to me, ‘Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord. 9 And I bought the field at Anathoth from Hanamel my cousin, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver. 10 I signed the deed, sealed it, got witnesses, and weighed the money on scales. 11 Then I took the sealed deed of purchase, containing the terms and conditions and the open copy. 12 And I gave the deed of purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah son of Mahseiah, in the presence of Hanamel my cousin, in the presence of the witnesses who signed the deed of purchase, and in the presence of all the Judeans who were sitting in the court of the guard. 13 I charged Baruch in their presence, saying, 14 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware vessel, that they may last for a long time. 15 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.’”

Observation Questions

What was the situation in Jerusalem and in Jeremiah’s life when God told him to buy the field? ([03:02])
What did Jeremiah do with the deed after buying the field, and why was this significant? ([06:19])
According to the sermon, what did the act of buying the field symbolize for the people of Israel? ([08:05])
What are some of the modern examples of fear and division mentioned in the sermon that parallel Jeremiah’s time? ([01:48])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God asked Jeremiah to buy a field in a land that was already overtaken by the enemy? What message was God sending to Jeremiah and the people? ([06:19])
The sermon says that hope is an act of defiance. In what ways does Jeremiah’s obedience challenge the prevailing narrative of despair? ([06:19])
The act of putting the deed in a jar was a sign for the future. What does this teach us about how God wants us to view our present struggles and future hope? ([08:05])
The sermon mentions that faith often looks foolish to the world. Can you think of other biblical or modern examples where obedience to God seemed irrational but was actually an act of faith? ([04:58])

Application Questions

The sermon describes “buying the field” as any act of hope, compassion, or faithfulness, even when it seems pointless. What is one small act you could do this week that would be a sign of hope in your community? ([09:14])
When you look at the “mud” in your own life—difficulties, fears, or divisions—what helps you to “look up and see the stars” of God’s promise? Is there a practical way you can remind yourself of God’s faithfulness this week? ([04:58])
The sermon challenges us not to amplify the noise of fear and division. Are there conversations or situations in your life where you tend to add to the negativity? What would it look like to be a voice of hope instead? ([10:00])
Jeremiah’s act of buying the field was public and visible. Is there a way you can make your faith visible to others this week, even if it feels risky or countercultural? ([06:19])
The sermon mentions practical ways to “buy the field” like praying, writing a letter, bringing food, or welcoming a neighbor. Which of these (or another idea) could you commit to doing this month? ([09:14])
As a church, we are called to be a beacon of hope. What is one thing our small group could do together to plant seeds of restoration in our community? ([10:00])
When have you seen a small act of faithfulness—yours or someone else’s—lead to unexpected hope or restoration? How did that experience shape your view of God’s promises? ([08:05])

Sermon Clips

As I read the passage, I was reminded of a very short poem indeed. It says, two men looked through prison bars, one saw mud, the other saw stars. Jeremiah looked through the bars of imprisonment. Already said he saw the mud and he saw the hopelessness but he also chose to look up he chose to look at the stars he chose to listen to God even though he was surrounded by chaos and injustice and pain. [00:04:39] (40 seconds) #ChoosingHopeInChaos

But Jeremiah's disobedience turns a foolish act into prophetic sign. Because God declares houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land. This is the hope. This is the promise. God doesn't deny the siege. He doesn't deny the prison. He doesn't deny the pain of the war. But he declares that this will not be the end. [00:07:02] (40 seconds) #HopeBeyondSiege

And so as Jeremiah commands the scribe to put the sealed and unsealed deed in an earthworth and jar in order to preserve them, he manages to turn a business transaction into a demonstration that God has not abandoned his people. He has not abandoned the land. That business transaction symbolizes the stars beyond those prison bars. It symbolizes hope for a future. A hope that change and peace will once again reign. [00:07:43] (40 seconds) #SymbolsOfEnduringHope

Jeremiah's field transforms into a seed for the future, planted in the soil of despair. For all who stand for compassion and justice today, often in the face of hostility, we too are planting seeds in the soil of despair. We too are reminding the world that hope is alive, that Christ is alive. [00:08:26] (25 seconds) #SeedsPlantedInDespair

Because in everything that we do, we buy a field. Everything we do, we buy a field. Because we believe. We believe in a God of yesterday and today and tomorrow. [00:09:51] (22 seconds) #VoicesOfCompassion

And outside the church walls is the world around us and in times of protest and division such as today, we are called to be voices of hope. Not adding, not amplifying the noise of fear and division, but instead sharing and speaking and amplifying words of compassion and justice and peace and unity. Not fueling hostility, but extending a welcome to the stranger. [00:10:14] (36 seconds) #SeeingStarsNotMud

Jeremiah looked through the prison bars and saw the mud of hopelessness, but he chose to look up and see the stars of hope, of God's promise. He bought a field when it made no sense, trusting God's future more than he feared the present. And so can we. [00:10:53] (27 seconds) #LivingByHopeNotFear

When we pray, we buy the field. When we bring food, we buy the field. When we welcome the stranger, we buy the field. When we keep worshipping, faithfully baptizing, sharing in the table of Christ, visiting the lonely, we buy the field. [00:11:21] (17 seconds)

``So let us be a people who live by hope and not by fear. Let us be a church that keeps buying the field. For God who calls us is faithful and his future is sure. [00:11:58] (22 seconds)

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