Jeremiah 52:31b-32

Jeremiah 52:31b-32 (ESV): “…Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. 32 And he spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat above the seats of the kings who were with him in Babylon.”

As a Father, God is faithful not only to discipline us but also to reassure us of His love, even in the middle of our chastisement.

Although many scholars don’t believe Jeremiah penned this final chapter of the book, it is certainly consistent with the prophet’s message: that while God disciplines His children, He also restores them. The account of Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah) being released from prison after thirty-seven years and treated kindly by Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, foreshadows this prophetic truth. God was reassuring His people of His love and His plan to restore them.

Isn’t God faithful to remind us of His love even while disciplining us? He reassures us that His discipline always has a purpose. It is so that we can learn and grow in Christ. He doesn’t let our disobedience slide, but neither does He overreact. He disciplines us in love and then reassures us of that love as we walk through our chastening. What a glorious Father we have! Amen?

Father, thank You for being a perfect Father to us. When You discipline us for our disobedience, help us to see Your loving hand at work. Protect us from the enemy who would tempt us to doubt Your love. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.