HOPE – EXPECTATION OF GOOD

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE” – Jeremiah 29:11

HOPE is the EXPECTATION of FUTURE GOOD: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE” (Jer.29:11). Jeremiah 29 was addressed to the exiles in Babylon. To punish Judah’s sins, God was going to send the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and the temple and to carry many of the people to Babylon. At this time, Nebuchadnezzar had already carried away some Jews to Babylon (v.1). Jeremiah was sent to tell them of God’s plan of restoration after 70 years and that God had not forsaken them (vv.10-11).

This text doesn’t apply universally to humanity, but was to assure God’s people that they would be restored. His plans for His Chosen People were “for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (NLT); “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (NIV). Although this promise primarily applied to the captive Jews, based on God’s unchanging character, it could apply to Believers in Christ. It reflects a general principle of God’s grace and affections for those whom He loves, including Believers in Christ.

God has certain promises for believers in Christ that are not applicable to humanity in general. He promises that our sins are forgiven and we stand before Him justified. Shades of Jeremiah 29:11 are seen in the New Covenant. For example, believers can be confident that we have hope that “does not put us to shame” (Rom.5:5); that all things will work together for our good because God has a future planned for us (Rom.8:28). We have been given promises to rely on, just as Israel was.

Outside of Christ, the Saviour, there is no future and no hope: “He who believes on Him is not condemned: but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (Jh.3:18). Of course, this is not a “goody-goody” message. Believers would face diverse dangers and battles in this life (Rom.8:35). But we’re assured that Christ will never abandon us. God would have us live as people who have a future and a hope.

Here are three ways to live with a future and a hope in view:

Live fully no matter the circumstances: Rather than chastise or rescue these newly exiled people, God encouraged and instructed them to put down roots and live fully despite their situation: “Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters – that you may be increased there, and not diminished” (vv. 5-6). When we go through tough times, we’re not to give or throw in the towel; we’re to live, thrive, build, plant, and multiply!

Pray peace and prosperity: “And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace” (v.7). To positively pray for the good of those who are causing us problems is difficult but not impossible. But we can hardly live in peace or prosper if people around us are in turmoil!

Trust God’s long-term Plan: Despite the fact that Israel’s wait for freedom would last 70 long years, God encouraged them to hold onto Him and to trust in Him. At the appointed time, their trial ended, and His Visitation and Promises were fulfilled!

God had a future and a hope planned for the Israelites; He does for us, too! Now is the time to call upon Him: “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you…” (Jer.29: 13-14a).