God's Getting Ready to Perform That Good Thing

Jeremiah 33:14
Behold the days are coming says the Lord, ‘that I will perform that good thing’ which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

Ain't you glad trouble don’t last always and that God’s wrath doesn’t consume us completely? There are two types of trouble. Trouble that comes from outside agitations beyond our control and trouble that comes from internal consequences due to our choices. Sometimes both are intertwined where nations are concerned.

In verse five of chapter 33, God says that he had hidden his face “from this city” because of all the wickedness. As you think of your city, do you think God has his face shining or it or hidden from it because of the wickedness in your city? In the case of Israel and Judah their wickedness had caused God to run his face, causing desolation, famine, and captivity. But even in the midst of a recession and national wickedness, God tells Jeremiah, “I’m about to perform that good thing!” Ya’ll know what that "good thing” is don’t you?

The good thing you’ve been waiting on since this judgment began upon our city. That good thing you’ve been waiting on to turn in your favor since you messed up. That good thing that felt elusive after everything spiraled out of your control. That good thing that seemed like it would never come back your way. God says, “I’m about ready to perform that good thing!” What is that good thing?

1. Verse six, he’s ready to restore health and healing to one of the unhealthiest cities. With all this talk of healthcare God has already promised universal healthcare when his people turn back to him.

2. Verse eight, he’s about ready to cleanse us from our sins. There’s some stuff we’ve done to mess up that God is about ready to clean up.

3. Verse nine, He’s about ready to restore our good name. The other day the NCAA wiped out our record because of some academic violation with Derrick Rose. The one thing we were proud of in this city and they took it away. But if we turn back to God, he will give us back our good name.

4. Verse eleven, I will cause the captives to return to their own land. God is about ready to give us back our homes and our business once this recession lifts.

5. Verse fifteen, God’s about ready to allow the land to be productive. Once again the sheep will be counted by the hand of the shepherd.

6. God is raising up new leadership. Verse 35 in those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

The Prophet was talking about Jesus. When we turn back to God through accepting Jesus as our leader then God will perform that good thing. Jesus talked about the good thing that he would do in Luke 4:18-19 (New International Version)

18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[a]
God’s about ready to do that good thing!

Dear God, we have sinned against you by every man/woman doing what was right in their own eyes. But through our brokenness, we humble ourselves and come back to you. I feel that you are ready to do that good thing. God restore your people and work it out for our good.

In Jesus Name.
Amen.