“Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.” -Jeremiah 46:28

Exile is not ideal. It never has been the preferred way of life, but it was what God had placed Israel into, it was what he was allowing them to experience in order to work his redemptive plan. Even in exile, though, God speaks, making clear that he is with his people, and he will keep them. Discipline yes, but keep them.

This is an amazing grace for the rebellious kingdom that has lost trust in its own kings. The people have put aside the words and wisdom of God, instead living for themselves.

The exile of Israel does eventually end; in the same way, God brings an end to our spiritual exile. The Messiah comes to redeem his people, to open the kingdom to all who believe in him. He is not what the descendants of Jacob expected, but he is the One who keeps us.

This is now our experience in Christ — liberated from captivity and occupation and forever kept in his kingdom, a covenant kingdom forged by his blood. All other nations will fall. All other hopes and idols will be revealed as false and not enough. But he will keep his people. No matter what comes, he will keep us.

Today, whether you feel like you are experiencing exile (which we are as we wait for Christ's return) or you can no longer abide the occupying force, remember that Jesus has you and has promised to keep, secure, and flourish you. Trust in his care, rejoice in him, rest in his finished kingdom work!