“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,” Jeremiah 29:11.
It’s self-care week, so let’s go for the victory lap!
Let’s look deep into Jeremiah 29:11. This word contains a precious promise from the Lord for the children of the Israelites. In this verse, Jeremiah the Prophet who is also called Jeremias or the weeping prophet, affirms a word to God’s people that God is in control of your life and He has a great promise that is in store for you. “For I [God] know the plans I have for you.” This is a word of confirmation that we can be sure of. Israel, receive this word! God loves you, and He has a wonderful plan for your life. He has mapped out the course of your life, and all you have to do is be obedient to Him and step into your blessed place.
The prophet is releasing a spiritual blessing to them and an earthly blessing to the people of Judah. Get up and receive your hope and restoration as God’s prosperity for your life, even though you are facing punishment for your sins. I still have a place for you. I want you to see My hand moving in your life with full clarity. The Lord has promised to bless His people during their time of Babylonian exile for your idolatrous transgressions.
You are a people who went against God. But I will restore you and show you My love. I could have judged you for your sins, but I will deliver you and give you purpose for your existence. This promised blessing is the subject matter of chapter 29. The prophet sent this letter to the people, the Judeans, in Jeremiah 29:1. God has sent a word, a word of encouragement to His people, the Judeans. Get up and build houses, marry one another, give your children in marriage, plant vineyards, and to seek after the welfare of the city (vs. 5-7). These blessings are the covenant that God made with His people. The Lord promised that after a time, I will bring you back and give you plenty, for I’m not done with you or with my covenant. In your suffering, I called you faithful and obedient. There is an element of obedience to the promise; all you have to do is wait on the Lord. The Judeans were to wait on the Lord, to trust in Him, and follow Him—even when you are away from the temple, apart from the priesthood and the sacrifice, I am near you and able to restore you now, because you are my people.
Paul says that all the promises of God are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ in Him. It is so, and so it is. All the promises made to the old covenant are for the righteous remnant. This is your week to be fully restored to the covenant that God promises to you.
