It occurred to me this morning that I most often read the prophets with the hard-hearted in mind. As I read Jeremiah this morning, for example, I know that he knows that the LORD knows that, by in large, his prophetic message will fall on deaf hears. Not only deaf ears, but hostile ears. That not only will the majority reject Jeremiah’s plea on the Lord’s behalf, but they will also attack Jeremiah’s person. Thus, so often when I read the prophets I wonder at the state of heart and mind which would give God its back and not its face.

But this morning, I’m reminded of the remnant, those waiting and wanting the Lord. That for some, though a minority, while the words of judgment cut deep, in contrition they admitted the faithlessness of their people. Thus, any words of hope spoken by the weeping prophet would be a welcome lifeline as they clung to the promises of restoration from a faithful God. That’s the filter which this morning allows these words to provide a well-received meal.

This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore their fortunes, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the LORD bless you, righteous settlement, holy mountain.’ Judah and all its cities will live in it together ​— ​also farmers and those who move with the flocks ​— ​for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.”

(Jeremiah 31:23-25 CSB)

I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.

Who likes being perpetually parched? Who’s jazzed by being forever faint? Not this guy.

But who doesn’t know the pleasure that’s experienced when such a thirst is quenched, or the adrenaline rush of again standing strong? And having tasted such, who doesn’t want to experience it again . . . and again . . . and again? But there’s only the “again” of being satisfied and fully fed when there is also the “again” of being thirsty and weak. One flows from the other.

I can only be replenished when there is first a deficit. I can only be filled when I’m first running on empty. And He who promised to satisfy, He who promised to feed, is He who is faithful and is He who will do it.

So, Jesus would say:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

(Matthew 5:6 CSB)

So, Paul would say:

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

(2Corinthians 12:9-10 CSB)

And so, the psalmist could sing:

God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.
I thirst for You;
my body faints for You
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on You in the sanctuary
to see your strength and Your glory.
My lips will glorify You
because Your faithful love is better than life.
So I will bless You as long as I live;
at Your name, I will lift up my hands.
You satisfy me as with rich food;
my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.

(Psalms 63:1-5 CSB)

You satisfy me.

Satisfied.

Lord, You satisfy as You saturate the dry ground of a weary soul with the living water of Your Spirit. You satisfy as you satiate the hunger pangs of the famished spirit with the meat of Your Word.

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses.

Only by Your grace. Only for Your glory.