Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Jeremiah 29:4 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:”
Jeremiah 29:4 (MSG)
“This is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel’s God, to all the exiles I’ve taken from Jerusalem to Babylon:”
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“So says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the captives whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon,” -AMPLIFIED
“The letter was really a message from Yahweh Almighty, Israel’s God. The exiles needed to recognize that He had sent them to Babylon; they were not there primarily because of Nebuchadnezzar. This reminder would have assured them of His sovereign control over the affairs of their lives.” ~Thomas Constable
In yesterday’s passage, we learned that Elasah and Gemariah were entrusted with the letter that Jeremiah had written, to carry it to the captives in Babylon. This letter contained a Message from God for the captives.
“He (Jeremiah) sent the letter with Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The letter stated…” -Jeremiah 29:3 (CSB)
Today we begin to look at the opening of the letter, which identifies the fact that this missive was indeed a Message from Adonai–Tzva’ot, the God of Israel, to the Jewish captives. The letter begins with these words:
Jeremiah’s Letter: “This is what the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies and God of Israel, says to those He exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon:” -(VOICE)
Jeremiah immediately indicates that this letter is a Word from the Lord to the exiles from Jerusalem, who were now residing in Babylon. (He wanted to ensure that there was no misunderstanding, this letter was intended for the exiles.)
God is identified here as: Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Isra’el. (Complete Jewish Bible) Remember, Adonai-Tzva’ot means The Lord of Hosts, or The Lord of Armies. God wanted the exiles to understand that He was the one who allowed them to be carried away into captivity. He had planned for Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Judah for their own good. What we will learn in this letter is that God’s plan was intended to give the captives hope. They needed to be patient and trust Him, for His plans had a purpose.
“The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, sends this message to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem:” -(TLB)
“Next time God’s will and yours don’t see eye to eye, and before you get horribly bent out of shape, remind yourself that you don’t know all the circumstances so you can’t make a definitive assessment of the situation as to whether it is ultimately good or bad. Then remember that God claims His will is “good, acceptable and perfect.” ~Stuart Briscoe
When God’s plans are different than ours, what should we do? First, we should submit to His plans. Second, we should trust that what He has planned for us is the best plan. Thirdly, agree to His plan and walk responsibly in obedience.
When it comes to a difference in our plans and God’s plans, we need to remember a few things that Scripture teaches us about why we need to accept His plans:
1.) God sees our future. “For I know what plans I have in mind for you,’ says Adonai,‘ plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (Complete Jewish Bible)
2.) His ways are higher than ours. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says Adonai.” -Isaiah 55:8 (Complete Jewish Bible)
3.) God’s ways are always better than ours. “As high as the sky is above the earth
are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” -Isaiah 55:9 (Complete Jewish Bible)
4.) God is always at work in our lives. “Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose; because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers; and those whom he thus determined in advance, he also called; and those whom he called, he also caused to be considered righteous; and those whom he caused to be considered righteous he also glorified!” -Romans 8:28-30 (Complete Jewish Bible)
5.) God directs our steps. “A man’s steps are ordered by Adonai, so how can a person understand his own ways?” -Proverbs 20:24 (Complete Jewish Bible)
6.) God is over everything; He is sovereign. “The earth is Adonai’s, with all that is in it, the world and those who live there…” -Psalm 24:1 (Complete Jewish Bible)
7.) God will be glorified in His work in us. “In this way, the name of our Lord Yeshua will be glorified in you, and you in him, in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.” -2 Thessalonians 1:12 (Complete Jewish Bible)
“When your plans and God’s plans don’t align, submit to His ways. Remember, He won’t make you. He will give you free will. But He will reward your obedience when you submit to Him and allow Him to take the lead. You will never regret trusting God and submitting to His perfect plan for your life.” ~Ed Newton
My friend, too often we make our plans without consulting Adonai-Tzva’ot, we charge forward without seeking His guidance. And when we do so, we tend to find out that our plans do not work the way that we had wanted. We need to remember that God knows best. He has good plans for our lives. His intention is to give us a hope and a future. You can trust Him, so submit to Him, accept His plan, and walk in faith in obedience.
“Life is full of interruptions. Sometimes we have big plans—for a career, family, or ministry—but God takes our lives in a different direction…When our plans and God’s plans don’t match up, we often try to kick down the door. Then things get worse…Just because your plans aren’t turning out the way you want doesn’t mean God isn’t intimately involved in every step. Ask God to help you see his hand in your broken plans, and trust him in his goodness as he shows you the way forward.” ~Rick Warren
My Prayer:
Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, your ways are not my ways. I am reminded of this fact every time I make my plans and you change them. Lord, please help me to get into the habit of consulting you first, to seek your guidance and wisdom before I set off on a crazy plan that does not begin with you. Once again, I am reminded that your plans are best, that you are sovereign, and that you are working all things out for my good and your glory. Lord, have your way in my life, may your will be done. For I am learning that if I submit to your plans, life is less stressful, and I am more at peace. Help me to consciously follow your lead today. Thank you, Lord.
Growing with God 