God's Will = Good Plans?

Many have seen the verse plastered on a poster, mug or graduation card…Jeremiah 29:11 may be one of the more recognizable verses in Jeremiah (maybe the OT) as it says (ESV), “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This is comforting to many, as it should, but what may escape the modern reader is the context for this powerful statement. The southern kingdom of Israel (Judah) had just been taken into exile by Babylon and its king Nebuchadnezzar around 597 B.C. (Jerusalem was destroyed in 587 B.C.). In the previous verse Jeremiah passes along God’s words to the exiles telling them their exile will be 70 years (symbolic of complete judgment)! These words were devastating to those in exile in Babylon (as it should due to Judah’s sin). When verse 11 comes, it is in this context. I can only imagine the people saying, “Good and hopeful plans? Yeah right!” From a human perspective it can be difficult to determine the goodness of God’s plans. Many times things do not make sense: people loose jobs, homes and even loved ones. This verse is directed toward the nation of Israel, not individuals. It can faithfully be applied to the Church today: God has great plans for the Church and His people. Ultimately, we can find comfort that God has wonderful plans for us through His Son Jesus. God’s good plans do not always alleviate Christians from pain and discomfort in their present situations, but they are good and wonderful plans.