September 17
Jeremiah 29:11 conveys one of the most comforting thoughts in scripture—and the Word of God is filled with comfort! Certainly, the truth of salvation through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are the essence of comfort to fallen man in a corrupt and dying world, but Jeremiah here gives us a hope for not only today but for our tomorrows.
The prophet says, “I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord, to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” With all the turmoil in today’s world, it is difficult to read the news headlines or to watch the evening news without anxiety. With all the stress in our busy, demanding lives, it's difficult to unwind, to let go of the responsibilities that demand our time and energy.
It is disconcerting to know that there is a people—they walk among us and seem to share our values and our hopes—who desire to see our downfall, whose expectation is that their culture will supersede ours and we will be left with the option of embracing their religion and their worldview or accepting death or servitude if we refuse.
It is disconcerting to know that there are natural events—hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, asteroids—that could wreak havoc on life as we know it. We know lawlessness has increased and disdain for goodness and truth are rampant. We dread the thought of the challenges that cloud the future. We know that of ourselves we are unable to overcome the worst of what looms ahead.
But we know the One who will never fail. We know He will be victorious and He has assured us that we are co-heirs of a blessed hope that transcends time and embraces eternity. We know we will see the good—the future and the hope—He’s promised because Jesus Christ, the Living God of Creation who inhabits time and eternity and our hearts, is faithful!
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