"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware jar, in order that they may last for a long time. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land."

The words from Jeremiah this morning are a part of the prophet's "song of hope." This section of the book was probably written about 600 BCE, shortly before the Babylonian exile in 587 BCE. Things aren't going so well for Jeremiah. The Babylonian army is laying siege to Jerusalem and the city is about to fall. Jeremiah is shut up in the court of the guard at the palace by orders of King Zedekiah who did not like his preaching. King Zedekiah accused Jeremiah of treason for advocating surrender to the Babylonians.

While in prison, Jeremiah's cousin Hanamel visits and offers him a land deal. At God's direction, Jeremiah buys the land and seals the deal in the accepted way of his time. The land Jeremiah purchases is in his home town of Anathoth, located about three miles north of Jerusalem. The town is one of the places designated as a city of refuge during the time of Joshua. Cities of refuge were places that a person who had accidentally killed someone could go while awaiting trial. There they would be safe from the vengeance of relatives and friends. It would be the trial that would judge the persons deeds … the cities were places of justice. I suspect it is no accident that the story is constructed to have Jeremiah's home town be a place of justice … and that he is instructed to by land from such a place. Its symbolism speaks to the prophet's message of restoring the people of Israel to God's justice; and is a message of hope for future generations.

It is hardly the time or place to be buying real estate in the area. Jerusalem, after years of siege is about to fall – the people are starving, there is not much left in them to fight, and indeed Jeremiah has said that it might be better to give in. Who would want property under such circumstances, knowing it might be years and years before there is anything but desolation in the area. Who knows what motivates Jeremiah's cousin, Hanamel to make this offer. I suspect Hanamel is just trying to unload what seems to be worthless land, and attempts to spin the deal by claiming to Jeremiah that the right of redemption and purchase is his. Can't you see Hanamel walking away from the deal, shaking his head, thinking "if he'll buy that … I have a bridge to sell in Brooklyn!" Jeremiah takes possession of this plot of land … in the city of refuge … as it is about to fall to a foreign army and then follows the voice of the Lord: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware jar, in order that they may last for a long time. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land."

Think for a moment of time capsules and cornerstones. Mementoes of a time ensconced within the foundation of a building or buried in the ground in hopes that future generations will one day find them and be able to remember a different time. In the latest issue of "Spectrum", a publication of The United Methodist Homes in New Jersey, there is an article called "Inside the Box." It details the burying of a time capsule in Ocean Grove, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of United Methodist Homes. In this time capsule are various items, including donor rosters, a calendar, a kite, the Centennial quilt exhibit and photographs. The time capsule is the last milestone of the centennial celebration. As with all time capsules and cornerstones it is hoped that one day they will be discovered … their contents will tell the story beyond the ability of those who lived in its time.

Jeremiah's time capsule is that and much more. His purchase of the deed of land is an act of great hope and faith. It is a declaration that while things look positively hopeless at the moment, there will come a day of restoration … a deed in a city of refuge, a place where God's justice is found … will be a sign of that day. For a time, it will be buried away, but not gone … it is buried in an earthenware jar so that the deeds will last for a long time. Jeremiah is able to look at the big picture and know that even in this time of terror and destruction, God is still God, and there will come a day when in the words of Juliana of Norwich, "all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

We gather this morning as those who have inherited Jeremiah's time capsule. Like those who bury time capsules and lay cornerstones, Jeremiah ensured that his story would be told in future generations. We too want our story told for future generations. We want those who follow us to know what was important to us, how we lived … we want them to continue the legacy we inherited from those who went before us.

Maybe even more importantly we gather as the ones called to have the same audacious hope and faith that Jeremiah did. It couldn't be much worse for him – the Babylonian army is about to take Jerusalem, his own king has imprisoned him for treason, and his cousin wants to make a shady land deal with him. Who would blame him for just giving up. Instead, Jeremiah continues telling of God's presence, even now, with God's chosen people. He speaks of a day when the law of God will no longer have to be written on stone tablets, but will be found in the hearts of people. Jeremiah gives words of hope in the midst of desolation … and as a sign that the day of restoration will come he takes his cousin up on the crazy land deal. Does he have doubts … of course. His doubts are recorded in the next chapter where he prays to God. Through chapter 33 Jeremiah wonders about the land purchase, saying that even now the armies are about to lay waste to the land. He says: "Yet thou, O lord God, said to me, Buy the field for money and get witnesses." There is a dash placed, as if Jeremiah could hardly continue his prayer for fear and doubt … finally he goes on " – though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans." And there his prayer ends. Yet, we know that Jeremiah has already bought the land, his actions speaking louder than his doubts.

The actions of Jeremiah stand as a witness to us when we feel threatened and under siege. His land purchase is not a naïve, pie in the sky optimistic one. Of all the major prophets, Jeremiah is the one known for his ranting and raving, doom and gloom messages to the people of Israel. He of all people knows that it doesn't always turn out okay, that life isn't always fair. And yet, even in the midst of the siege, Jeremiah somehow maintains faith in the promises of God, and that is reason enough to hope. And as those who have inherited the faith and hope of Jeremiah, that will be enough for us, as we continue to lay the foundations for generations to come; and walk with him in faith trusting that the promises of God will prevail.

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