During the months of Sept and Oct, we look at the message of Jeremiah. Our nation lives in a state of anxiety regarding investigations and misconduct, mid-term elections, potential conflict with Russia and China. It may be good to hear the words of this prophet who reminds us to turn away from worship patterns that include regional gods and stop relying on strategic alliances for protection.
During this series, we will look at passages from the first 30 chapters of the book. Each week, we will hear the passage from Jeremiah 29:10-14 as the Call to Worship. These verses contain the often quoted segment “I have plans for you” which becomes a word of hope, in what seems to be a continued litany of woe.
Jeremiah was given a vision of what God was about to do. It was a vision of what would happen, but it also included the promise that things would change – if they would seek the Lord.
For thus says the Lord: Only when Babylon’s seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NRSV)
Florence Church of the Brethren Mennonite 