Jeremiah 29 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson

If you are looking for a favorite verse to memorize or put up on your wall Jeremiah 29:11 is the verse. But before we get to that well-know and much loved verse let’s understand the context of chapter 29.  This book concerns the Babylonian exile.  This refers to a time when, after many warnings, God finally made good on His promised threats of removing His people from the promised land.  But if you think of the exile as one day the people of God are in Israel and the next day they all start their journey to Babylon so in a week, everyone is on the road you are mistaken.

This exile was a process of close to 20 years, not all of the Jews left Israel, and not all came back to Israel.  This was a process that affected everyone but not everyone was affected the same way.  I am writing this in July of 2020 in the United States.  There is great uncertainty in our country as we are responding to Covid-19, preparing for a presidential election, and living in a questionable economy.  Many of us are experiencing the uncertainty of our times.  So you might be able to guess how some of the Jews were feeling.

Since some of the Jews were already in Babylon, what were they supposed to do?  Some prophets said, you will only be there for two years but Jeremiah had a different message.  Every time Jeremiah spoke his message from God, another prophet disagreed.  Why can’t we hear one consistent message from God the people might have asked?

Let’s begin in verse 4.  Notice that God is speaking to them.  In judgment He sent them away but in love He still is speaking, caring, and loving His people.  God unequivocally states that He sent them to Babylon.   The third aspect of Jeremiah’s message is to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find you welfare.”  (29:7)

Then God distances Himself from all the prophets who are minimizing the length of their time in Babylon (29:8-10).  Then God makes this wonderful promise to them in v. 11.  This is a bit like the O.T. version of Rom. 8:28.  But, we do have a few caveats.

This is a specific word to the exiles in Babylon who will return to the land of Israel.  While there can be ramifications of God’s truth to us, it was a specific word to the exiles.  But isn’t it just like God?  Your sin got you in this mess but if you turn to me I still have good waiting for you.  Amazing.

We have observed before that God’s word comes to us in a cacophony of other voices claiming to be from God.  Rarely do you hear God’s voice/word only or in isolation.  There are almost always other competing versions of the truth.  See v. 8– do not listen to the dreams and v. 9– it is a lie and v. 15 because you said . . . (we are listening to other prophets), God will get after them v. 17-19.  In fact, God names names in v. 21 and says, they “are prophesying a lie to you in my name.”

You have to be discerning.  You have to be careful who you listen to and what material you are reading.  If you are a teen or young adult, you need to develop discernment because wisdom comes slowly but will come to those who ask according to Proverbs and the book of James.

In v. 23, we see one indicator that may point to a false prophet – their lifestyle.  In this verse they are committing adultery and attempt to speak in God’s name.  We certainly are called to live a holy life so both truth and holiness ought to be wed in a person’s life.

Reflect on what a great privilege it is to speak for God but what great responsibility comes with that.  Pray for you sinful pastors where ever you are and whoever your pastor is.  They are all men of clay with sinful predilections who sin every day.  Pray for all our church leaders and staff to keep us all from sin that would bring dishonor to Christ.

I can only speak for myself, but I never want to bring dishonor to Christ by some public sin.  I know my sinful heart.  I know sin courses through my veins and my mind.  Keep praying for all of us and those of us who lead.  Plead with God that He will also keep you from such dishonor.  But then give your energy and time to glorify God.  Give your energy and time to bring him delight.  Have an ear for God’s Word and a heart that longs to obey.