I read this morning the encouraging words that are commonly quoted by Christians to each other and are claimed for themselves. They are wonderful words of assurance and comfort.
'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.' Jeremiah 29:11
On the other hand, I never hear these words preceded by the verse, the sentence, the promise that occurs right before the popular quotation. Have you ever seen this on a Christian comfort card?
'This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to youand fulfill my good promiseto bring you back to this place." Jeremiah 29:10
Here I am again asking for intelligent, thoughtful reading of Scripture. Can we claim the one verse for ourselves or others without also adding something like the following? "It may take decades for you to prosper. The people of Israel had to go through some difficult times prior to the end of the exile. And you may go through some serious, bewildering pain and suffering before you move into the great future God has for you."
Now I know that such words don't look good in a comforting email or a card sent to someone who is suffering. On the other hand, is it fair to others or ourselves to claim verse 11(ignoring verse 10) as though we are sure that next week, or next year will come up "sunshine and roses"? We are not being true to Scripture if we simply pick that verse out of context and cause someone to think that things will instantly or very soon be fine because God loves them.
On the other hand, as NT people we have God's clear promise to NT believers that in God's overall plan and purpose for our lives; in the life long working out of His will in our lives the following is absolutely true.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Yes, ultimately, though it may not be clear until our lives end, we believers are assured that God will take everything that happens to us and work it for our good and His glory. Let us be certain that it is with Romans 8 in mind, with this long term perspective of God's love and sovereignty, that we claim or share the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. Otherwise we may leave ourselves or others very confused (at the very least) if a period of difficulty and pain has no quick ending, or even lasts for decades.
'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.' Jeremiah 29:11
On the other hand, I never hear these words preceded by the verse, the sentence, the promise that occurs right before the popular quotation. Have you ever seen this on a Christian comfort card?
'This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to youand fulfill my good promiseto bring you back to this place." Jeremiah 29:10
Here I am again asking for intelligent, thoughtful reading of Scripture. Can we claim the one verse for ourselves or others without also adding something like the following? "It may take decades for you to prosper. The people of Israel had to go through some difficult times prior to the end of the exile. And you may go through some serious, bewildering pain and suffering before you move into the great future God has for you."
Now I know that such words don't look good in a comforting email or a card sent to someone who is suffering. On the other hand, is it fair to others or ourselves to claim verse 11(ignoring verse 10) as though we are sure that next week, or next year will come up "sunshine and roses"? We are not being true to Scripture if we simply pick that verse out of context and cause someone to think that things will instantly or very soon be fine because God loves them.
On the other hand, as NT people we have God's clear promise to NT believers that in God's overall plan and purpose for our lives; in the life long working out of His will in our lives the following is absolutely true.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Yes, ultimately, though it may not be clear until our lives end, we believers are assured that God will take everything that happens to us and work it for our good and His glory. Let us be certain that it is with Romans 8 in mind, with this long term perspective of God's love and sovereignty, that we claim or share the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. Otherwise we may leave ourselves or others very confused (at the very least) if a period of difficulty and pain has no quick ending, or even lasts for decades.
No comments:
Post a Comment