Maybe I’ll start a series sometimes on the most mis-interpreted verses of the Bible. For now, I would like to begin with Jeremiah 29:11. We see this probably most of all around high school graduation time. College graduation probably takes second place, since the kids who were Christians at high school graduation aren’t anymore by the time college graduation rolls around:
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.
I find it unfortunate that people don’t quote the verse before this one. You know, the one where God tells Israel that they have to spend seventy years in Babylon.
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insightful.. reminds me of a bunch of other stories in the word, like God is taking you to a land of to much, a land flowing with milk and honey. But don’t forget they spent 40 years in the wilderness first. Sounds like a lesson in self sacrifice, a little of that, “share in his (Christ’s) sufferings so that we may also share in his glory. I don’t take that as we have to be literally crucified, but you do get the idea that we have some real hard work ahead, some sweat and blood… some… well …sacrfice.
I find it a little unfortunate that people don’t mention the one AFTER this one when He says He will listen when we call upon Him…and in later verses that He will bring us back from captivity (whatever that term might mean to you…differs for each of us).
I snuck over from Noah’s blog
I think really the whole focus of this passage has to do with verse 13. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all you heart.” They were captive in the first place because they were seeking after other God’s. Then the question becomes not what are the plans God has for me but am I truely seeking him with my entire heart.
funny. that verse was used in our sermon yesterday.
i do have a blog, but i don’t really know how to use all the features. i guess i need to spend some time playing around.
ha!
Oh Matt oh Matt oh Matt,
How I wish you and Rusty had been in my foundations of ministry class this morning. Unbelievable…the things that come out of people’s mouths.
hey hubby. i’m looking at your “blawg”. i didn’t read it, but i can still leave a message.
is it really God plans to prosper us? jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) speak for the prosper but i dont think so…