These beautiful verses are often quoted. I’ve seen them on coffee cups, wall hangings, and door mats. And this truly is a beautiful promise from God. But did you know the rest of the story?
This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. (Jeremiah 29:10)
God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah; addressing the captive Jews in Babylon. The great King Nebuchadnezzar had taken Jerusalem, and enslaved God’s chosen people. God used this powerful King to overthrow and enslave His people, as punishment for disobedience. The verse above is basically God saying, “you might as well get comfortable, because you are going to be here a while!”
But, thankfully, our God is merciful, and even as He spoke punishment onto them, mercy and grace were sure to follow.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:10-11)
Like the perfect and loving Father that He is, God lets them know a wonderful and miraculous future awaits those who trust in Him.
In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:12-14)
You see, loving parents discipline their children, but that is never the end of the story. It is followed with mercy, forgiveness, grace, and even more love. God, the perfect and Holy Father, shows us in Jeremiah an example of discipline and love. And of course, in exactly the time and exactly the way God said, the Jews were returned to their homeland.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
#LoveMatters