Restoration
Published August 12, 2026
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | Kelley Bachtel
Jeremiah 45-47
I love to browse old magazines where people take primitive, unwanted furniture and restore it to something beautiful and functional. Our house is filled with small pieces that we’ve found at estate sales that bring recollections of history. I love the idea of making one man’s trash another man’s treasure.
In chapter 46 of Jeremiah Egypt hears a tough warning. Before the battle at Carchemish, Jeremiah prophesied of Egypt’s pride. They would bring the best of everything: shields, horses, armor and men, but they would stumble and fall while running to attempt escaping their adversary.
Babylon would defeat Egypt, but we read repeatedly that The Lord, the God of Armies, was in complete control of the battle. The poetic way Jeremiah describes the battle reveals the hefty judgement God would place on the Egyptians. Yet, there is one small verse that reveals his heart. “But after this, Egypt will be inhabited again as in ancient times” (Jeremiah 46:26).
God promises restoration in the land of Egypt.
Babylon may win the battle, but God was in complete control.
Egypt would not remain uninhabited, but would one day be restored. They may experience his judgement, but God would not destroy them. Then, God shifts to speak to the Israelites. He reminds them to not be afraid or discouraged because He would save them without fail. Although they were experiencing the calamity that they deserved, God gave them hope and comfort. One day they will be restored!
God sent his only son, Jesus, to die so that we could have life. Romans 5:10 says, “For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” He desires to take us from our darkest state and restore us into something beautiful and useful to His Kingdom.
Do you believe God has the power to restore you?