Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
8/2 Reading Portions: Judges 16; Acts 20; Jeremiah 29; Mark 15
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
PLANS
While this is an encouraging verse of Scripture, it is often quoted out of context by well-meaning Christians, implying a meaning that misses the mark of what YHVH God actually says through the prophet. Here’s the context, found in the preceding verse:
“For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you My promise and bring you back to this place.” Jeremiah 29:10
Jeremiah had been pronouncing judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for quite some time, because of the wicked idolatry rife throughout the land. Moreover, because the nation failed to keep the 7th-year Sabbath (Lev 25:2-4), YHVH God’s judgment upon them was 70 years of captivity, one year for each year the people failed to keep the 7th-year Sabbath (2 Chr 36:20-21; Jer 25:11-12). While the villainy was widespread in Judah, there were still faithful souls in Judah and Jerusalem who still served YHVH (2 Chr 36:15). Today’s verse of encouragement was for them; and thus, for you and me as well. Sometimes our sovereign Christ takes us, whether as a church or as individuals, through some difficult times. While those times are periods of judgment upon those who have walked wickedly before Him, those times are opportunities for you and me as believers to continue to trust in Him, to deepen our faith toward Him, and to shine as faithful witnesses for Him. If God has saved us by His grace through Christ Jesus, then His plans for us are ultimately for our eternal welfare. For you and me,
…who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.
His plans are to give me and you a future and a hope, one that causes us…
to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
God’s plans for us go far beyond
Our troubles and our trials;
He’s making us more like His Son,
More like His own dear child.
