Some years after he reported God’s promise of a new covenant, Jeremiah’s faith is tested. The king had sent him to jail for preaching God’s Word (v 1-5). And then he receives a visit from long-lost cousin Hanamel. This is the cousin everyone avoids at family reunions. You haven’t seen him in years, but he slaps you on the back and says, “Listen, have I got a deal for you!” Fortunately, God gave Jeremiah a warning, so he was prepared for the conversation. Hanamel is selling a field, and Jeremiah has the option to buy. No doubt Jeremiah’s real estate agent would have counseled against it. Why? Location and timing are always key factors to consider. The old family farm was on the outskirts of Jerusalem, in Anathoth, which at that very moment was enemy-occupied territory. Jeremiah is in prison, so if he buys it, he can’t farm it. And even if he could, it wouldn’t be for long, because the city will soon be destroyed by Babylon. To put it bluntly, this was a dumb idea (v 6-8). It seemed like a complete waste of money, but Jeremiah knew that God was telling him to buy it. So he scrapes together the shekels, signs the contract, and has it notarized. Then he takes it to the title office, where duplicate copies are made. Hanamel probably laughed all the way to the bank, but Jeremiah was no fool. He was simply trusting God’s promise and taking the long view. He knew that property values would go back up because the LORD was going to bring His people back home from their exile. So with audacious faith, he invests in God’s kingdom and puts the title in a safe deposit box (v 9-15). However, as soon as the prophet puts his money where his mouth is, he begins to have second thoughts. Had he just been scammed? For forty years he preached the destruction of Jerusalem, and then just as the city is about to be overrun, he buys land? The doubts and misgivings were understandable. What should you do when bewildered by the ways of God? You should pray. After worshiping the LORD for His power, love, justice, and knowledge, Jeremiah is too stunned to ask God for anything. All he can say is, “You’re telling me to invest in real estate right now, LORD? Seriously?” (v 16-25). The only one who never gets bewildered is God. If Jeremiah would only listen to his own prayer, he could answer his own question. Nothing is too difficult or wonderful for God. He has power to judge sin (v 26-35), and He has power to save sinners (v 36-44). His grace may seem illogical, but it’s not impossible. Hanamel’s field will turn out to be the best investment Jeremiah ever made. Don’t doubt the power of God in your life. He always delivers on His promises! For further meditation: