Jeremiah 29:15 You may say, “The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon,”
Seventy years in exile doesn’t sound like a picnic, but God has told the exiles that He wants them to live–marry, have children, build houses, encourage the children to marry and have children–to become a part of life in exile. He tells them that He will hear them when they pray, they will find Him when they seek Him faithfully. They are in exile, but He is still with them.
Jeremiah 29:16 but this is what the Lord says about the king who sits on David’s throne and all the people who remain in this city, your fellow citizens who did not go with you into exile—
However, those left behind, those not in exile, will face sword, famine, and plague. They will be made abhorrent to the kings on earth. Even though at first blush exile seems like a punishment, in light of today’s verses, it definitely seems the better option.
Jeremiah 29:17 yes, this is what the Lord Almighty says: “I will send the sword, famine and plague against them and I will make them like figs that are so bad they cannot be eaten.
Lord, When I am focused on the disappointment of my plans, it is hard for me to think about Your plan and the things you might be protecting me from, saving me from, by not allowing my plans to come to fruition. It’s hard to thank You for my broken dreams. But I know You love me–deeply, fiercely, eternally. I know You want Your best for me. Help me to trust You always, even when my heart is breaking. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:18 I will pursue them with the sword, famine and plague and will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth, a curse and an object of horror, of scorn and reproach, among all the nations where I drive them.
Have a blessed day.