They weren’t likening it to the modern-day Ferrari owner who is often described as idolizing the fast and expensive car. No, this wasn’t the case in the Bronze Age for the Jews. Canaanite gods sacrificed people, including children. They had temple prostitutes who were often slaves, which is considered human trafficking today. Innocent victims suffered many other horrible, evil tragedies. Then there was the tribe of Judah, who should’ve been the light of the world but instead participated in and supported these sins. Eventually, God warned them to stop, stop, stop until the exile finally occurs.

Friend, during this Babylonian exile, Jeremiah the prophet is given a word of hope to people who really messed up, demonstrating God’s grace, mercy, and kindness. There is grace and favor for you even if you mess up or make poor decisions. You’re going to open the door, and God’s going to break some burdens for you. In God’s plans, you can prosper and not be harmed, and you will have hope and a future!