Theology students are taught that context is king when understanding the Bible. Generally, a verse must be understood by its near context, book or section context, and the overarching context of the rest of scripture. And yet, one of the all-star verses breaks context in its current usage. But is that wrong?
The verse in question is from Jeremiah. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT) Those comforting words have been recited, printed, and etched in stone. Taken out of its setting, it seems to be a personal word. But in its setting, it is a word to the whole of the exiled Israelites.
“This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:10–14, NLT)
Under normal rules of Biblical interpretation and understanding, it is improper to apply this individually. And yet, this is one instance, in my view, where the rule misses something. That something is God’s heart and the greater context of scripture itself.
Yes, this verse was spoken to a specific group of people in a particular instance of their history. And yet, it rings with God’s heart for every person who draws breath. The greater narrative of the Bible is all about God’s plan and purpose. But God doesn’t just plan on a mega-grand scale; He also numbered the hair on our heads (Matthew 10:30).
God does have a plan for you. It is a good plan that doesn’t end in disaster but eternal welcome. Neither is it a hidden plan or buried treasure. In fact, the context of Jeremiah promises that “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.” Jesus boldly restated that promise, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7–8, NLT)
I love that. God promises that if we look, we will find Him. “I will be found by you,” God says. The question isn’t whether God has a plan for each of us – He does. The larger question is whether we desire to enter into that plan. That doesn’t mean God will reveal the whole plan to you. he rarely does. Often, He only reveals the next small step that will draw us more into His plans.
If we desire God’s plan, we must not only say “yes” to the whole but also say “yes” to the next small step God has for us today. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
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