Future Plans
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NRSV)
This week we are looking at one of the most famous passages in all of Scripture: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV) The prophet Jeremiah has many tools in his prophetic tool box to communicate the word of the Lord to his people. He’s already used sermons, parables, symbolic acts, oracles, and rants (now called “jeremiads” in the prophet’s honor). In this passage Jeremiah composes a letter and mails it to those in exile. In it he gives them two types of guidance: Guidance for the present and guidance for the future. His guidance for the present moment was this: “While you’re in exile, adjust, adapt. Live life–don’t just exist. Make the best of a bad situation. Settle down. Don’t sit around and wait to be brought back home.” You see, making the best of your present doesn’t negate your future. And Jeremiah’s guidance for the future? You have a future with hope. Your history doesn’t have to be your destiny. You will have a homecoming.
January 16, 2022 – Online Service Bulletin and Bible Study
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