Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Jeremiah 29:10-13.
Can you imagine what it would have been like for the exiles from Judah to now be prisoners in Babylon? Prophet after prophet had warned them to turn back to God, to worship God alone, and to live according to God’s teachings. The people had become arrogant, trusting in themselves and turning away from God. The Babylonians had been selective, taking the best and brightest as exiles. Now, the exiles must have felt ashamed and chastened by their arrogance and bad behavior. They must have been wondering what to do…should they attempt a revolt and try to fight for their freedom? The early part of this letter from God through the prophet Jeremiah dispels that entirely, telling them to settle down in Babylon, to build and plant and have families.
Then come these verses, promising the exiles that their bondage would not last forever. After a period of seventy years, God would bring them back to their beautiful homeland. God promised them a future and hope; God had not deserted them. We too can read these words today, in whatever context we find ourselves and know that God loves us and that when we trust God, we have hope and a future.
Personal Worship Option:
Give thanks today that God loves us and wants the best for us. Even when we suffer consequences for bad decisions and choices, God has not given up on us. God has nothing but the best in store for us if only we trust God. Pray for more faith to have that kind of trust.
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