Jeremiah 29:10-14
Friends, in a world that changes rapidly, we must make decisions today that will have the greatest positive impact on our perceived future. This is called by some as futureproofing. You don’t want to do something today that would become obsolete and useless soon. You want something that would last a long time even if condition changes in the future.
But nothing is truly and completely secured. Governments have gone into recession and inflation rate is running high because of this pandemic. Products are getting obsolete as soon as new ones are invented. Soon, many jobs will be replaced by robots, (though some may not). But nothing is truly and completely future proof outside of God. Psalm 33:11 tells us, “11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” NIV.
Today, I want to share with you some practical steps for future-proofing your life.
1. Know exactly God’s plan for you.
“10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:10-13.
· God predicted that Judah would become settlers in a foreign land for 70 years because they would not repent and come back to Him.
· Israel repeatedly failed “the standard of the Mosaic Law”, and as a matter of course, “affected God’s dealings with them”.[1]
· Jeremiah 29:11 was a promise of preservation.
· God preserves Judah. Even in their captivity, they will thrive and multiply (see Jer. 29:5-11).
· The exiled Israelites “will seek God” at God’s appointed time.
· Part of God’s plan: God will renew their broken relationship with Him, give them a fresh start. And so, it is also for us today.
· A principle we can apply: “seek God and have a fresh start with Him.”
· If we struggled before in our spiritual journey, the New Year offers a new start and renewed hope in God.
2. Be careful whom you listen to.
“8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:8-9.
· Hananiah son of Azzur, was from Gibeon, a false prophet from within not from outside.
· He claimed to have spoken with God and was told, Judah would be exiled for 2 years only as opposed to Jeremiah’s prediction of 70 years in captivity. See Jer. 28:1-4.
· Hananiah preached rebellion against the Lord’s word. See Jer. 28:9.
· Many believed Hananiah and were given false hope.
· Lesson #1: Be careful whom you listen to because you will trust the one who has your ears.
· Lesson #2: They will steal your heart from searching the true Word of God.
· Lesson #3. 1 John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
· True worshippers know the voice of God. Romans 10:17 says, “17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
3. Pursue God above all.
“13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.
“9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9
· The secret to a future-proof life is God.
· When God has our heart, He will come to us.
· As faithful (and generous) followers, God will provide our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ. See Philippians 4:19.
· God will give us strength to overcome obstacles and bring contentment in Him.
“12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
Questions for Bible Study discussion:
1. How do you perceive your life to be in the future? What is it that you desire to achieve?
2. Have you thought about exploring God’s plan for your life? Can you share something about it with the group?
3. What is the role of worship in your life and how does it shape your life?
4. Can worship be done without the Word of God? Why or why not?
5. Why did God allow Israel to be defeated by her enemies? See Jeremiah 25:4-10.
6. Do you believe that disobedience to God’s Word brings negative consequences to us? See Jeremiah 25:18
7. What principle can you learn and apply from Jeremiah 29:13?
8. Who or what do you listen to? Does the Word of God hold a special place in your heart? Do you make decisions based on the Word? How?
9. What encouragement do you have from pursuing God?
10. What is the secret to a future-proof life?
11. Who gives you strength to overcome your obstacles?
12. What is the role of God in your life? See Deuteronomy 7:9 and Philippians 4:12-13
[1] Thomas L. Constable, Walvoord and Zuck, Ed., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 484-485.