“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:12-13
God’s message in Jeremiah 29 came in an exile context. His discipline for Judah’s faithlessness and sin would be exile, nearly a lifetime of it! And it had already begun. But from the beginning, God had held out the hope of reconciliation and restoration. “‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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’” (vv. 10-11).
These words were given so that the people could endure the exile with hope. Being displaced can make people wonder if God has rejected them and written them off. Friend, I can assure you God has by no means done that. The record of God’s dealings with Judah is for you as well. Discipline doesn’t mean rejection. Read in Hebrews 12:6 that “the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
Even under the weight of God’s discipline, you can be certain He is willing to be found.
These words were given so that the people could endure the exile with hope. Being displaced can make people wonder if God has rejected them and written them off. Friend, I can assure you God has by no means done that. The record of God’s dealings with Judah is for you as well. Discipline doesn’t mean rejection. Read in Hebrews 12:6 that “the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
Even under the weight of God’s discipline, you can be certain He is willing to be found.
Scripture Focus
Jeremiah 29:4-14
Insight
Written by Tim McCracken, Regional Director for Metanoia Prison Ministries, San Joaquin Valley, CA, reminding many brothers in Christ that there is hope in Jesus.
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 21-22
- Psalm 36
- Mark 16