"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope"
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
These words of Jeremiah are among the most shared words in the Bible, used personally or forwarded once taken out of context. When a passage is isolated from its context, you can make it say anything, but when you read it in context its original meaning becomes clear. They are certainly reassuring words for each reader, but the prophet's intentions were aimed at a specific group of people living in a specific place at a specific time in history. Jeremiah, in fact, exercised his ministry before and during the Babylonian exile, when the kingdom of Judah suffered expulsion from the promised land for its continued unfaithfulness to the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:36; 2 Chronicles 36:15-21). He prophesied that punishment was imminent and implored them to repent from their idolatry and wickedness before Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked them and led them into exile (Jeremiah 25:1-11).
This verse is part of Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon, in which he argues that the deportation was nevertheless the Lord's work; so they were to think about living their lives in that foreign land and doing what they would have done in Judah: building houses, cultivating the land, taking wives and bearing children (29:1-6), seeking the good of the city where they were (v. 7). His words clashed with those of the false prophets, who deluded the exiles by telling them that the stay would be short. Understand how they were discouraged, saw no future and felt abandoned by God. Jeremiah's words bring a glimmer of hope: although the exile would last a long time, it would not be permanent and the Lord would bless the people. How does one clearly discern the word proceeding from above?
As believers, we sometimes feel like the exiles in Babylon, in the midst of life and our shortcomings, we lose our bearings and have difficulty recognizing God's voice. The voices rumbling around mostly resemble those of the “false” prophets adverse to Jeremiah and do not help to discern the messages to live the life God wants for us. This devotional is meant to suggest some signs for you not to underestimate. First, reading and listening to the Bible, the Word of God. When you read it and a verse or paragraph jumps out at you as if it wants to speak to you, stop and ask God what He is trying to tell you. However, do not use it as a magic sphere to be consulted as needed, looking for a tailor-made answer. Do not treat it as a storybook either. It is “given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). At other times, you may feel a urge to do more for others. Simple acts of kindness and courtesy are enough to show God's love and reflect Christ's presence (2 Thessalonians 3:13; James 4:17). If you feel this urgency without any self-interest, it means you must take up your cross and fulfill your calling.
Then there is prayer, by which you can see God at work. Again Jeremiah, locked up in the prison yard, receives these words, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (33:3). Prayer remains the best way to communicate with God, always and everywhere. Do not underestimate it, for it can help you grow in your relationship with Him. When we go through dark times, prayer gives us the opportunity to share where we are with God and to listen to Him. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). He wants us close, and prayer is the perfect opportunity to draw near and listen to what he is saying to us. “Teach us to pray” will be necessary requests. At other times He may speak to us through our relationships. Be ready and willing to listen to what the people around you have to say. On the other hand, be aware of those that may turn you away from God. The place where you can definitely hear him remains the church, where a song, verse or word from the pastor may catch your attention. Never think it's by accident. I don't know if you will be able to hear His voice, but these signs may reveal something unique to you.
Weekly Bible Reading Plan # 32
August 05, Psalms 70-71; Romans 8:22-39
August 06, Psalms 72-73; Romans 9:1-15
August 07, Psalms 74-76; Romans 9:16-33
August 08, Psalms 77-78; Romans 10
August 09, Psalms 79-80; Romans 11:1-18
August 09, Psalms 81-83; Romans 11:19-36
August 09, Psalms 84-86; Romans 12
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