I Know the Plans

Jeremiah 29

            Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most popular verses in the Bible: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” A lot of people love that verse, and it is beautiful. But a lot of people grow to hate it, often because they do not see the future it promises coming.

            A couple of things: first, the context is important. The verse is part of a letter that Jeremiah sends to the first round of exiles in Babylon, and it can be summarized: “Get comfortable; you’re going to be there a while.” The Lord tells them to build houses, plant gardens, and raise children: they’re going to be there a while—70 years to be exact—a lifetime. He tells them to work for the good of Babylon. It’s going to be home for a long time. This verse is not offering a light or easy way.

            Second, we should understand it as a plural, that is, addressed to the whole community of exiles. The promise is that the Lord has plans and purposes for Israel, not necessarily just any individual Israelite.

            We often say things like, “Everything happens for a reason,” or “God has a plan.” And in one sense, he does. But if the Scriptures teach us anything, they teach us that God’s plans and purposes encompass years, decades, centuries. We might not know what part our troubled part of the story plays in God’s plans until we see Him face to face.

            So, we can certainly take comfort in a God who sees much farther than we can see, who is out ahead of us by years, decades, centuries. We can take comfort in knowing that somehow all things work out of the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8). But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that all of troubles will fall away in this present age of the world.

            I always liked Marcedes Lewis, a tight end for the Green Bay Packers. He was a great blocker, but he hardly ever caught a pass. His job was to seal an edge, to spring a running back or a receiver. There’s no glory in blocking. At the end of the day, there’s a trip to the training room and not a single highlight on SportsCenter. Within the plan of the whole game, the blocker plays a part, but he’s rarely praised for it. I think that’s a fitting analogy for God’s plans and purposes. I might just be a blocker: I might just ride the bench. That’s ok. It’s a team sport and the one stat that matters is team wins and losses. My role might be modest, unseen, painful, but within the much fuller purpose of what God is up to, He knows the plans He has for me.