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by Bible League International,
Narrated by Artificial Intelligence,
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Scripture
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 ESV
Devotion
The debaucheries of a significant ‘some’ led to the Babylonian exile of even a greater number at a point in Israel’s history. As city walls tumbled and houses—even the temple—were rampaged by Babylon’s fury, large groups of Judeans were led away from their homes into many of Babylon’s enclaves.
A total disruption of life as Israel had known it had now taken place. Any family or individual dreams and plans people may have had were now a thing of a recent past.
The prophet Jeremiah was providentially left behind. During a second raid of Jerusalem (597 ʙ. c.), at a time when a tribute was most likely to be sent to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Jeremiah, under the direction of God, passed on a letter to be distributed among the exiles (see Jeremiah 29). The letter directed these folks to live life with as much normalcy as possible. He told them to build houses, plant gardens, marry, have children, and to seek the welfare of where they had been sent (v. 5-7). God continues, “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” (v. 10). Here’s the reason why: “For I know the plans I have for you!” (v. 11). We most likely all have heard that comforting verse, but take another moment to reflect on it.
Of course, it primarily applies to Israel, but can we not say also that God has plans for us? Our real problem is that we get frustrated when something disrupts our plans that we really wanted to fit into God’s plans for us. Perhaps this new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic is a great time to ponder God’s future plans for us and our families. Guaranteed, you’ll come away encouraged!
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