July 30, 2021
What does it say?
Jeremiah’s letter warned against false prophets and promised that God’s plan was good.
What does it mean?
While the exiles were captive in Babylon, false prophets gave false hope regarding the length of their captivity. Their teaching completely ignored the purpose behind God’s judgment. Jeremiah’s letter explained God’s true plan – to cause His people to return to Him. Judah had not remained faithful to the Lord during years of enjoying His blessings, nor had they responded to His warnings. Although His people were in captivity, God promised that when the people finally looked for Him, they would find Him. True to His covenant, God was taking care of His people, even though it seemed otherwise. All their hope rested in the fact that His plans for their future were far better than their own.
How should I respond?
Times of hardship are not always caused by disobedience; God sometimes allows suffering for our benefit. God’s plan is always to draw us closer to Him. If His goodness and blessings are not enough to bring us closer to Him, then He may use difficult circumstances. Either way, He promises that His plans for us are always good. What painful situation is God using to shape your character and future? How might you be looking for hope in anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ? Ask God to open your eyes to His plan. The old statement is true: God is good … all the time.