Read Jeremiah 29
Highlights:
As when He led the Israelites out of Egypt, God knows exactly where He is taking each of us — and it always for our good. We are never to be fearful about the path He has chosen for us, but to bravely and faithfully trust in His Word (Jer. 29:10-13). God turns sadness into joy (31:13). A New Covenant is promised (31:27-40).
An amazing prophetic Truth has been fulfilled. The once-mighty empires of Assyria, Persia, Greece, and Rome have faded away. Their names remain, but their power is gone.
Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, the captivity of the people of God, and their return to Jerusalem after 70 years. It was repeatedly foretold that the Jews would be dispersed, but they would not be lost nor disappear; they would remain a distinct people.
During their captivity, God told Jeremiah to teach the people how to respond to their captors: Seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. . . . after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you . . . in causing you to return to this place (Jer. 29:7-10; see also 25:11).
This reveals the attitude we should have when we are mistreated or face opposition. Instead of being bitter and seeking revenge, feeling sorry for ourselves, or hating and avoiding those who take advantage of us, we too should seek the best interests of our enemies. To do so is always in our best interest. Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:44-45).
Let us remember there is a God — a God who has purpose and design for both His people and the promised land. Hear Him speak: The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me (Lev. 25:23). World policymakers write, talk, and speculate, but they ignore the sovereignty of God over the affairs of earth.
For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of My people Israel and Judah, saith the Lord: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it (Jer. 30:3).
Jeremiah was given one of the most complete revelations in the Old Testament of the reign of Christ and the nature of the New Covenant with His people (30:9 — 33:17).
After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jer. 31:33).
Thought for Today:
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who forgives sin (Jer. 31:34). That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power (authority) on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go (Matt. 9:6; comp. John 8:10-11).
Word Studies:
29:11 an expected end a hopeful future; 29:23 have committed villany have done disgraceful things; 30:21 engaged aledged; 31:14 satiate fully satisfy; 31:21 high heaps road signs (pointing back to Israel).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Government Officials: Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (MI), Rep. Cory Gardner (CO, and Rep. Trey Gowdy (SC) • Country: Syria (17 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Limited religious freedom for Christians • 90% Muslim; 4% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Roman Catholic; .25% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him (Ps. 37:7).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:3