To the political world as well, including nations surrounding Israel, God has spoken. Today’s passage is devoted to Egypt. We can’t help but pay special attention to that nation’s fate since that’s the last place we know Jeremiah to have been. However, the destruction Jeremiah prophesies about here was fulfilled years before Jeremiah arrived.
When I first read through this, I thought this prophecy was the exact thing Jeremiah was now walking into. I had marveled at how surreal that would have been. We already encountered the fact the chapters in the book of Jeremiah aren’t in chronological order.
We continue to see how God’s perfect plan plays out. In this case, the Babylonians defeat of Egypt spoken of in today’s passage happened. I wonder if Jeremiah remembered his message from God about Egypt when he arrived there years later.
Egypt has been a region of significance in the Bible history, in general. I think of it being where Moses rescued the Israelites from before wandering in the desert for all those years. In the New Testament, it’s where the young husband and father, Joseph, took his bride, Mary and the infant king, Jesus. He listened to God’s plan for him in a dream to keep Jesus safe from King Herod.
God’s perfect plan is always evolving. Jeremiah showed us how to be in alignment with God. He did the hard work of proclaiming God’s word. If he questioned what God was saying at all, he was able to overcome that by the grace of God. We have access to that same grace to overcome the hurdles and challenges in our lives. It can be hard to be a soldier for the faith.
God is giving us the same as Jeremiah’s: to make God known. That’s part of God’s perfect plan. Jeremiah used his best judgment and resources, including his scribe friend, Baruch, to reveal God’s intentions for the people to hear. I can’t even picture what that would have looked like. No microphones. No internet. If Jeremiah could act for God amidst the sinfulness of his environment, what is our excuse?
If you want to be part of God’s plan, all you have to do is ask. God may reveal a plan to you, maybe in the form of an idea, or even a suggestion from a friend. You may be surprised at what you see laid out before you. However, while that sounds easy, we may have to wait for a response longer than we expect. Keep in mind that God may be using you in his plan and you don’t even know it!
I have certainly been surprised by how God is using me in his plan. Imagine how crazy my present-day routine would sound to a “10-year younger me?” Who would have believed I’d be living in Mexico, doing missionary work, and publishing devotional books to walk people through the Bible. So many pieces have fallen into place. I just could never see the picture before!
How about you? Do you feel like you are fulfilling God’s plan for your life? Don’t forget you can ask just to make sure. With fulfilling God’s will comes a great peace and surge of hopefulness. Our reading today ends gives hope to the servants of Israel. “Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them. Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, for I am with you,” says the Lord. “I will completely destroy the nations to which I have exiled you, but I will not completely destroy you.” God’s love redeems. Let his peace fall on you today.
Let’s pray … Lord, your plans are so perfect. Forgive me for trying to change them or make modifications all the time. Calm my spirit so that I can focus on you more. Help me to live the life you have designed for me to reflect you as brightly as possible. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
