‘These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon...
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel,
to all the exiles from whom I sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:’
Jeremiah 29:1, 4
I love finding treasures such as this; little gold nuggets of truth, encouragement and insight tucked away beneath seemingly meaningless or un-inspirational dialog that without the Lord’s revelation, remain hidden and unseen and their blessing left behind.
Re-read these simple words again and I pray that you will see what appears to be a contradiction. The Israelites have been taken into exile...or were they sent? Perhaps it means nothing, but I think it means everything.
Verse one it would appear that Nebuchadnezzar receives the ‘credit’ for the exile of God’s chosen people. Verse four however says that God sent them into exile. So...which is it? were they taken or sent?
One implies the plans of man are paramount, dictating and successful.
The other states boldly that although it was not a desirable situation, there was a God in charge--a God who sent them.
But this still leaves a question unanswered: why would the Bible state both? How can they dwell together in the same situation and chapter?
Because God is in complete control.
It is clear that Nebuchadnezzar had a plan--a scheme--to capture the Hebrew nation and take them into exile for his own purposes. It is important that this be known because such is life on this sin plagued planet. Wicked, sinful, thoughtless, selfish, devious, hurtful plans of others, imposed on the deserving and undeserving. The curse of sin leaves no man unaffected.
Perhaps it is unwanted disease or unmerited affliction. Perhaps it is sudden tragedy or undeserved agony.
Bad things happening to good people.
BUT...
this is not where the story ends.
Verse four states that God sent them. God allowed it. God planned it.
While it may appear that the wicked plans of man are successful, God is careful to point out that it is He alone that allows or prevents that schemes of man.
He is in complete control.
This often brings about another question, asked in only three letters and often heavy with hurt and anger, sadness and fear:
WHY?!
This is a legitimate question, and although a response may be deserved, there are times that a response is not given, at least not immediately.
But, deep in the muck and mire of the hurt and pain, lay a few abstract verses, easily passed over and the blessing of them easily left behind:
A scheme of man,
allowed by God...
because He is in complete control.
As we read on, we will catch a glimpse of God’s heart and unwavering love for His people.
For now dear friend, allow the simplicity and beauty of this truth to settle into the quietest and darkest part of your soul:
You don’t get it, you don’t see it, you don’t like it...
but,
when all is said and done,
it is God who wills and God who allows and God who is,
because He is and will always be,
in complete control.
It is in His complete control that we will uncover our greatest blessing, our greatest protection and a hope and a future.
Read on Friend and you will see. Read on and find hope.
<><tce
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