“For I Know the Plans"

“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)

These words come from the prophet Jeremiah to Israel during their exile to Babylon. Living under Nebuchadnezzar, God told Israel to live even though captive, to build houses and have families. God also warned about false teachers, prophets, and diviners. These were always present and always led Israel away from God.

Despite Israel's constant rebellion, God remained faithful in His covenant with Israel. Thankfully, our God is patient. He still is today. This enduring patience and faithfulness of God inspire hope and reassurance in our lives.

The important thing in these texts is that God has a plan for all of us. His plan was made before creation. While we were not alive when God communicated through the prophets, He is still actively involved in our lives. You were planned. You are not an accident. You are not a conglomeration of cells that randomly became human. You did not evolve, but you came from him, made by God and placed in the garden (Adam). God knows every hair on your head, your life, how it will play out, and your ending, hopefully bringing you home in faith.

God cannot be evil; He is righteous. However, God ordains evil for many reasons so that His will would be done on earth. While today’s text was written for Israel, God has a similar message for us. He has a plan. His plan of redemption was finished on the cross by Jesus. God has given us a new covenant, the covenant of the blood of Christ, by which all who are called will find salvation.

God has given us a future and hope for the future. Hope in the form of the resurrection. When we accept Christ as our Savior, repenting of our sins, and professing our faith through believer's baptism, we receive the assurances of eternal life. What a gift! Our faith is all that is needed. There is no working yourself into salvation. It is faith in Christ that promises everlasting life through a salvation that cannot be lost. Do you want to be sure where you will spend eternity? Come to Christ, ask for forgiveness, and for Him to save you from yourself. He said to Thomas and His disciples, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) 

Seek Christ, wise men and women still do.

Grace and Peace.