The final words of Jeremiah’s diatribe hold out a sliver of hope for the wayward Israelites. Verses 27 and 28 offer a surprising shift in tone as they speak of restoration in the face of desolation.
The same possibilities also exist in our lives. No matter how severe the despair in our personal and political realms, no matter how far we have strayed from divine purposes, God says, ”And yet I will not make a full end.” God implies that we are not ultimately finished or defeated. Our God of second chances never gives up on us! Nothing can separate us from this unmerited love.
My congregation’s ministry to the addiction community, called The Way, emphasizes the spiritual aspects of AA’s 12-step program. As those in recovery share their struggles with the demons of addiction, we hear amazing evidence of the second (and third and fourth) chances God offers. Folks who have experienced the depths of existence witness to divine deliverance through their allegiance to a “higher power.” They find themselves strengthened and empowered by the God who compassionately utters, “And yet . . . . ”
The leader of The Way reminds us that we are all in recovery; each of us receives the reclaiming grace of God. In such “and yet” moments, a soft note of grace comes regardless of how we’ve failed. Like the errant Israelites, we encounter hope as lament, hope as survival, and hope for restoration from a steadfast God, even in the face of judgment. Miraculously, God’s hope for us feeds our hope for ourselves.
God may not always keep us safe, but God does indeed keep us. Thanks be to God!