It’s a familiar situation. Festivities are done, everyone’s back from vacation and facing the reality of a fresh year that lies ahead. The excitement of what can be accomplished is coupled with the dread of the uncertain looming ahead. The main source of the uncertainty lies still with the ongoing pandemic and the different variants it has continued to spawn. Hope is what eases the uncertainty and in that search for hope, both Christians and “Christians-to-be” find it in a very familiar verse.
Jeremiah 29:11
I’ve asked around 20 different people and asked them what their life verse was and 12 of them mentioned that this was the verse they chose as their life verse. It is indeed a powerful verse and it comes as no surprise why it is indeed very popular. BUT how many of these 12 people really understand what it means? By understanding what it means we are able to separate the fake news and comprehend the real deal behind this verse.
- The Situation: For as much as Solomon’s merits were, he also dragged the nation down by introducing a myriad of false gods and idols. Israel has been held captive by the Babylonians. This was a result of their breaking of God’s covenant by turning to false idols and prophets and God reminded them of why they were in exile (Jeremiah 29:17). Adding to this was the destruction of the temple built by Solomon and the calamity that ravaged the land. It was a dark time indeed.
God’s people were desperate for hope. It sounds like a familiar situation doesn’t it? And it is important to understand that is an important factor that came BEFORE THE PROMISE. The first one is a directive (Jeremiah 29:4). A command God has given for Israel to not give up and to ignore the false prophets that were rampant during that time. More than just having our eyes set on the promise, the command of The Lord is something we do not want to miss.
1.) The Author: Known as the Weeping Prophet, Jeremiah was the author of most of the text during Israel’s dark days in exile. He was the main prophet in Judah who actually prophesied what was going to happen to Israel at the hand of the Baylonians. The message he preached was not only ignored but was met with much persecution from the Israelites. As described in Jeremiah 11:19, he was like a lamb led into slaughter. A man of God who also faced the same darkness during that time.
2.) The Promise: God does not forsake his people. This is the biggest promise we can hang on to and one that He gave the people of Israel (Jeremiah 29:10-13). In the midst of this situation where it seems that God’s presence has left His people, The Lord was not done with Israel. God promised restoration not just for their citation, but for their relationship with God.
The Real Deal: When taken out of context, this verse can be misconstrued to promise that Christians have a guarantee of prosperity and blessings. The common misconception takes a turn towards material gain rather than continuing to have a deeper connection with God. The fake news is having that 100% guarantee of comfort and success because you follow God. The real guarantee is that even in Israel’s darkest time, God has not forsaken them.
So- does this mean that Christians cannot look to this verse for hope? Not at all.
This verse highlights God’s promise of redemption and restoration from sin through what Jesus did on the cross. It is the sinful nature that we struggle everyday with. It also highlights God’s great love for us and His plans for us to be with Him in paradise once our time on earth is done.
That is a real hope that we can hang on to as we start to unravel what 2022 has for us.
