The Plans

You may recognize this verse, and maybe you find some comfort in it like I do...

Jeremiah 29:11 - "'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.'"

Well, I've been reading through the book of Jeremiah, and I thought the context of the verse above to be particularly interesting. Basically, the Israelites had been taken into exile - into Baylon - by King Nebuchadnezzar. Well, a young punk-prophet speaks up one day (in front of Jeremiah and other priests/people) and says, "the LORD says that within two years, the Israelites will be free and be able to return to Israel." Jeremiah gives him a warning that peace and prosperity sound good and may gain him some momentary popularity, but he won't be believed unless it actually comes true. Long story short, The LORD reveals something different to Jeremiah, and he tells the people that they will spend seventy years in Babylon...

"When seventy years are completed... I (the LORD) will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place (Israel). For I know the plans I have for you..."

Isn't it funny that when we think of that verse or quote that verse, we always imagine that promise in the near term... next week, next month, next year. God was telling the Israelites that he had good things planned for them... but they were going to have to be patient. In effect... "you might as well get comfortable, because you're going to be here awhile." Apparently they had some lessons to learn first.

So, it makes me wonder... how many lessons do I have to learn? I guess I better get comfortable. :)