“For I do know the plans I’ve for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and to not hurt you, plans to offer you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
This is among the most well-known and quoted verses within the Bible. It’s promise is held dearly by Christians everywhere in the world. However regardless of its reputation, the which means of Jeremiah 29:11 is usually missed. We all know the phrases, however we don’t understand how they apply to our lives.
That is an unimaginable verse that deserves a more in-depth look.
The Context Of Jeremiah 29:11
From espresso mugs to commencement speeches Jeremiah 29:11 is plastered all over the place. The issue is that this verse is usually utilized as a private promise, that God has an exquisite and excellent plan for ME.
Many take this verse and apply it particularly to them, that God has their life completely mapped out, they usually solely need to stroll in obedience to God.
Others take this verse a step additional claiming this verse is a promise of well being and wealth. Since we’re youngsters of the King we must always solely anticipate the perfect. With this view, ache and struggling are an indication of a scarcity of religion.
The principle drawback with these interpretations is that they ignore the context and make Jeremiah 29:11 a ME-centered verse. It’s all about what God can and goes to do for ME. And that’s not what this verse is saying. Let’s again up and have a look at the context.
In Jeremiah 29 we see God speaking to the nation of Israel by means of the prophet Jeremiah. Throughout this time the Israelites reside in captivity in Babylon. They’re slaves.
On this time of captivity, there have been false prophets going round claiming that God was going to launch his individuals quickly. And in Jeremiah 29 God is denouncing these false prophets and telling his individuals that they will have to attend 70 extra years. That’s dangerous information.
However God doesn’t cease there. Not solely have they got to dwell in captivity for 70 extra years, however God additionally instructs them to hunt peace whereas they’re there.
That’s some powerful information to listen to. Most of them listening to this message might be lifeless earlier than they are going to be launched.
That is who Jeremiah 29:11 was written to. Actual those who have been going by means of a extremely powerful time.
This reveals us that Jeremiah 29:11 isn’t a private promise written to you in the present day. And it’s not a promise that if we comply with God he’ll permit us to prosper on this life. The context tells us in any other case.
The Which means Of Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 is addressed to God’s individuals, and it’s in the midst of a promise that God continues to be in management even when issues are bleak. It’s a promise that despite the fact that issues won’t make sense to them now, God’s plan continues to be good. This verse provides hope to a bunch of people who find themselves struggling to know what God is doing.
Let’s break down Jeremiah 29:11 a bit of additional.
For I Know The Plans I Have For You Declares The Lord
“For I do know the plans I’ve for YOU.” We all know from the context of this verse that “you” is referring to the Israelites residing in captivity. This passage is just not written to us in the present day and subsequently can’t be immediately utilized to us.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply that Jeremiah 29:11 doesn’t have any utility for us. It’s written FOR you, but it surely’s not written TO you.
Understanding this precept will assist us higher apply God’s Phrase to our lives. With that in thoughts let’s look a bit of nearer at what these plans are.
Plans To Prosper You And Not To Hurt You Plans To Give You Hope And A Future
Whereas Jeremiah 29:11 isn’t a private promise, it’s a highly effective reminder that God continues to be in management. Even when issues don’t seem to be it, even when life is hard, and even when the world is falling aside round us, God is in management.
God was devoted to satisfy his promise to the nation of Israel. He did simply what he stated. That ought to carry hope to us that God will proceed to satisfy his guarantees to us in the present day.
This verse is just not a promise that we are going to be affluent on this life. Or that so long as we belief God our lives might be straightforward and we can have all we wish.
Reasonably Jeremiah 29:11 is a reminder that despite the fact that we are going to face difficulties on this life God’s guarantees are nonetheless true. He’s devoted and can carry us by means of.
This can be a promise that we see elsewhere in Scripture; Romans 8:31 is a good instance. God is for his individuals and can lead them by means of the storms they’re going through. Whereas life could be troublesome, now we have the hope of eternity to come back.
All issues will work out for many who belief in God. Perhaps not how we wish; the Israelites most likely didn’t need to spend 70 extra years in captivity. However God lead them by means of these darkish occasions, and he’ll lead us by means of ours.
How Jeremiah 29:11 Applies To Your Life
So the place does this depart us? How can we apply Jeremiah 29:11 to our lives in the present day?
This verse is a promise to God’s those who His plan for us is sweet. And who’re God’s individuals? Within the context of the verse, it’s the Israelites. However when Jesus enters the image he opens the door for everybody who locations their belief in him. So, whereas this verse wasn’t written to us, it nonetheless reveals that God is for us in the present day.
This verse tells us that whereas life will probably get troublesome at occasions, God continues to be in management. And whereas the troublesome season won’t finish tomorrow, God’s guarantees are true, and he’ll carry His individuals by means of it.
For this reason Jesus says, Subsequently I inform you, don’t be concerned about your life, what you’ll eat or what you’ll drink, nor about your physique, what you’ll placed on. Isn’t life greater than meals, and the physique greater than clothes? Have a look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor collect into barns, and but your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of extra worth than they? Matthew 6:25-26
This passage is a direct tie to Jeremiah 29:11. It’s not a promise of a life the place there’s nothing to fret about. It’s a promise that even within the storms we are able to have peace. Having religion and believing in God means trusting that his plan is what’s greatest for us, even when it doesn’t make sense.
Some issues may by no means make sense on this life. It should have appeared that solution to the Israelites that died in captivity. However God can see issues we can not. He’s orchestrating a narrative we aren’t but aware of. Sooner or later issues might be revealed, and we are going to see the bigger image.
Till then now we have this promise. God is with us, and we are able to discover peace and relaxation in that. The Gospel message isn’t one in all a simple life. Reasonably it’s a promise that we are able to have hope as a result of the God we serve has overcome loss of life and is strolling beside us.
In search of an ideal useful resource that can assist you develop in your religion? I HIGHLY suggest Mark Moore’s books Core 52 and Quest 52.
BA in Biblical Research – Ozark Christian School (2012)
MA in Theology – Regent College (2019)
Electronic mail Me: Electronic mail
DISCLOSURE: This publish might include affliliate hyperlinks, which means I get a small fee when you resolve to make a purchase order by means of my hyperlinks. That is without charge to you and helps maintain Rethink up and operating.
