“And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle’s son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances. So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open:” Jer 32:9-11
Jeremiah here is told by the Lord to purchase a piece of property from his cousin, Hanameel. He was to do it in the typical legal and public manner. Purchase it in public and have it witnessed and recorded. He was also to place the records in a vessel for protection and future retrieval.
This was not unusual, except for the fact Jeremiah was in prison and the property was not available and not in their possession at the moment because they were in captivity and the land was being taken by their captors.
This was strictly a “purchase of faith”. God had told them that one day they would return to their land and they would again be able to occupy and prosper. It was a purchase for a future possessing.
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.” Jer 32:15
This “purchase of faith” gives us an example in several ways.
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This purchase of faith was an investment in the future. There was no immediate benefit or soon reward for owning this property.
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Mat 6:20
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This purchase of faith was an example and a building of faith in the lives and hearts of others that witnessed and heard of the purchase.
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Heb 13:7
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This purchase of faith gave an added incentive and desire to get home and not get too settled in this land of captivity.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luk 12:34
Giving financially to missions, tithing in the local church, soul winning, sacrificing sleep or vacation to minister to others, and other expenditures for the kingdom of heaven and eternity are all ways we are “purchasing by faith”.
Where have you acted or lived by faith recently?
“Now the just shall live by faith:….” Heb 10:38
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Pastor Bryson 