This is what the LORD says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” [Jeremiah 29.10-14]
Everyone loves the promise of this passage. Many encouraging sermons have been based on this promise, however, many overlook the 70 years of captivity built into it!
I don't wish to be a "downer," but simply to point out that there remains a certain need for humility here. Dare I furthermore say, since God is a merciful God always ready to forgive, perhaps then repentance could also have been in order?
Yes, Jeremiah had repeatedly prophesied 70 years of captivity. But, had not Jonah prophesied destruction upon Ninevah in another circumstance? Yet when the people of Ninevah humbled themselves and repented, God relented!
The point is, God's character remains good and He always desires good for us. The 70 years captivity was a real punishment, but we cannot ignore God's forgiving nature! What might have happened had God's people engaged in genuine repentance as did Ninevah?
Especially in this New Testament Age of Grace, Jesus' work on behalf of mankind eternally satisfied God's judgment upon Adamic man so that believers might enjoy the benefits of the 2nd Adam, Jesus. We cannot deny the amazing grace of God upon those who humbly repent and believe!
Father, help us to look at every difficulty in our lives as an opportunity to repent, believe, and receive undeserved blessings.
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