Our reading today is Jeremiah 27-31, and I’m calling the episode “Take a Letter.” 

In chapter 29, God told Jeremiah to send a letter to those people who had been taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar into Babylon. In essence, God told the people to settle in because they were going to be there for a while. Seventy years to be exact. He told them to go ahead and build homes, plant gardens, have families. And pray that their new hometown would do well, because they will do well when it does.

This was a letter of reassurance. God did not want his people to be discouraged or without hope. They were in a sort of time out because of their sins, but He was not abandoning them. In verse 11 he said, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.“

We also should be encouraged. God has not forgotten us. Jesus said in John 14:1-3, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.”

I’m looking forward to that day, but until that day arrives, I’m settled in here for the long haul.

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 27-31 ESV

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