Read: Jeremiah 26-29
The theme of today’s reading is to prophesy only what God says. Jeremiah paid a price to say only what God said even though it made him the most unpopular person in Judah. He almost lost his life when he prophesied that they should surrender to the Babylonians and let them take them captive. He even sent word to all their enemies that they were to surrender to Babylon also. God was judging most of the world and he was using Babylon as his tool. Then he would judge Babylon.
Two other prophets rose up and spoke of peace and prosperity and the end of judgment for Judah. It cost both of them their lives. They prophesied lies and false hope. Jeremiah offered hope. He gave them one of Jeremiah’s most famous lines: “I know the plans I have for you…to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) It was in this setting that God promised these words we often quote. The next verse says to call upon God and pray to him and he will hear and be found of those who seek him with all their heart. God will turn their captivity away and bring them back to the place they started in His timing.
I am watching this scenario play out in the life of someone very dear to me. They started out where they were suppose to be but when things didn’t go like they thought they should, they jumped ship and did their own thing. They went through two years of wandering in the wilderness of joblessness and poverty. During that time God did a great work in their hearts and they are starting over at the place they left with totally new perspectives and a much closer walk with God. It was worth the trip.
Lord, thank you that You never leave us in our wilderness but you lead us right back to your open arms.
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