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. - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Do you remember the Hanna-Barbera cartoon “The Jetsons” from the early 1960s? The setting was 100 years in the future; people lived in homes in the sky, used flying cars for transportation, rode on moving sidewalks, and communicated via videophones. The show focused on an average family facing the typical problems of the 1960s but was set in a future driven by materiality and technology.
Today’s verse comes from a letter written by the prophet Jeremiah in Jerusalem to the Israelites who had been carried into Babylon. In those days, a conquering nation would carry off the elite to prevent chances of rebellion and assimilate the conquered people into the new culture. Jeremiah tells the people to settle in Babylon—they will be there for 70 years, build houses, plant gardens, and let their children marry, and their numbers increase. That was not the end, but an interim future—God has plans for their return. His future includes thoughts of their well-being—they will prosper—but His focus reaches beyond the physical to a spiritual restoration. Their future is not solely one of flying cars and videophones but reconciliation with the God of Abraham.
This verse is a timeless reminder of God’s plans for our future. While we may enjoy some of “The Jetsons” technology advancements, our true future lies in our restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Someday, He will call us to live in His home in the sky.
Father of Grace, we thank You for Your plans for us. You provide not only for our immediate needs but also for our future, which gives us hope. Through Your Son, Jesus, we have been restored and given eternal life. Grant us wisdom and courage to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, aligning our plans with Your will for our future. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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