Long-term Investment
Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 32:6-15
“Take these documents ... and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time.” Jeremiah 32:14
Our Scripture for today describes a real-estate transaction. Money is transferred from buyer to seller; witnesses and officials sign the transfer papers; there are multiple copies of documents and arrangements for preserving the documents. This is not unlike what would still happen today in a land sale, except for a few things:
- Jeremiah, the buyer, cannot take possession of the land because it’s behind enemy lines.
- This real-estate closing is taking place in a Jerusalem prison, and Jeremiah is the prisoner.
- Jeremiah knows (because God has revealed it to him) that his nation will not win against the enemy.
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will destroy Jerusalem and exile the Israelites to a place a thousand miles away. Indeed, Jeremiah the prophet is in prison because he has preached what God has revealed to him.
But God has also revealed through Jeremiah that after 70 years the people will return to build homes and farms in the land. Truly a long-term investment!
Still today, God calls us to live our lives and to devote ourselves and the gifts he has given us to long-term things—things that will last. And the number-one example of a long-term investment that fits God’s plan is to make sure we give of our resources and time and energy to help bring others into God’s kingdom.
Holy Spirit, give us wisdom, insight, and faith to devote our living, talents, and resources to the long-term cause of your kingdom. In King Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Fred Bultman
Fred Bultman began a “second career” as a pastor in 1997, after a first career in the banking business. He served as pastor to congregations in the U.S. and Canada. In retirement, he continues to enjoy sharing in the ministry of the churches in and around his home in Fremont, Michigan.
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