PROPHETIC PROMISES (1)

“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

The Believer’s Life in Christ is meant to be ordered by GOD’S PROPHETIC PROMISES: “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). Here, God was speaking through prophet Jeremiah, to the people of Israel, who were under divine discipline in exile and captivity in Babylon. Yet, the letter contains a message that was intensely positive in a time that was intensely painful. These words came at a time when God’s people desperately needed to know that they had a hope and a future with Him. And, the Lord reassured them: That He had plans to take them into a promised and positively promising future.

Our meditation passage falls into 4 sections. The passage is filled with “Thus says the Lord...” (vv.4, 8, 10, 14). First, God’s Word was sent (vv.1-3). His inspired, infallible Word was sent to Jeremiah, who in turn, sent the letter from Jerusalem to the spiritual leaders of Israel that had been taken into exile in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Second, God’s Wisdom was shared (vv.5-7): His wisdom to help the people live successfully in difficult times. This was a context of divine discipline for their disobedience; hence, the Lord instructed them to seek the welfare and the best of their secular abode. They were to be peacemakers, not provocative troublemakers! Third, God warned the people to guard against false prophets and diviners who peddled deception (vv.8-9). Finally, God’s Will was sure (vv.10-11).

Finally, God’s Promise was sure: “For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and PERFORM My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place” (vv.10). God was saying: “I have a calendar and I have already marked the date when I’m coming for you; an I will be right on time...I have a Master Plan for you on where you will be and when you will get there”! God knows His Plans; He knows every detail. His Plans are carefully designed; extremely well-thought out! Nothing is left to chance or to blind fate. God is the Great Designer and Detailer of Destinies! His Plans are Blessed. They are for His people’s welfare and not failure, calamity, destruction, or demise. The word “welfare” in the Hebrew is “Shalom” – Peace!

Beloved, this is God’s Message for us today! Like responsible parents do, God has specific plans and purposes for all of His children and for His Church. He has a positive future for us. He has not brought us this far only to leave and forsake us. We have no idea how great and glorious His plans are for us. His future for us is intensely positive. He has plans for our all-round fulfilment and eternal glory!