GOD’S MESSAGE TO FAMILIES
Many people claim for themselves the wonderful promise in Jeremiah 29:11. Perhaps it is your favorite Scripture: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Most translations render it, “to give you a future and a hope.” Truly our God is a God of hope and has our future marked out for us.
However, we can get into the habit of taking a Scripture out of context. We love the promises, but often we don’t check what goes before them. This wonderful promise precedes some instructions to the Jewish captives in Babylon. But it relates to us also. It is a message God gave to His people at the beginning. But now they are captives in a foreign country He comes to them through the prophet to remind them of the lifestyle He planned for them, and for us all.
Verse four begins: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel . . .
1) Build houses,
2) Plant gardens,
3) Bear children,
4) Encourage your children to have children,
5) Increase your family and don’t diminish,
6) Pray for your city, and
7) Don’t be deceived by the prophets in the midst of you.”
It’s hard to believe that this “down to earth” practical message is from THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN! But this is the message God wants us to live.
And this is the message that precedes this famous promise! When we live this lifestyle, we can then claim the promise!
Be blessed.
Nancy Campbell
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