In the midst of the experience of exile Jeremiah confronts another prophet, Hananiah, for giving the people false assurances. Jeremiah wants the people to face the conversion that will be necessary to get right with God. After the destruction of the nation is complete Jeremiah shifts in tone. Yes, the prophet says, we have been brought low but God isn’t finished with us yet. Thus says the LORD: See! I will restore the tents of Jacob, his dwellings I will pity. Our own spiritual life has similar rhythms. We are at times being confronted by the need to change, to better reflect God’s justice. At other times we need consolation. We need to know that God’s compassion is with us in the midst of tragedy.
