We should always be cautious against a prosperity gospel. The lie is popular and growing because it appeals to exactly what we want to hear: “God is here to give you the good things you want.” Is that the kind of prosperity God promises to give his people? Actually, he doesn’t leave us in mystery: he tells us exactly what makes us truly prosper. When we draw close to him, he draws close to us, and we have every good thing. That is our very hope and future.
Jeremiah’s prophecy indeed came true: Babylon was the dominant empire for exactly seventy years, and then Cyrus of Persia conquered them and allowed the Israelites to return home. Israel’s exile was over. It’s incredible to study history and watch it prove that the Bible’s prophecies were legitimate! This event was what Jeremiah was anticipating in his message of hope for Israel. Their holiness would soon be restored. The Old Testament is really just a long story of God’s people not seeking God; but seventy years from now, Jeremiah says, you will indeed seek God, and you will prosper as you were always supposed to.
God’s message has never changed, but the times have. Now, Christ has come, the Spirit is moving, and it is easier to draw close to God than it has ever been. Yet perhaps you sympathize with me when I say it’s still sometimes difficult. What if I seek him with my whole heart and I still don’t hear him answer? Often when I think this, I find that I have my own purposes in mind and not God’s. I’m seeking a genie instead of the one true God! But seeking God is an inherently humble act. God knows the plans he has for his people, and they are greater than anything we could come up with. So sometimes we have to realize we’re trying to make our own plan, and then we have to do the hard part of letting it go.
Jeremiah 29:11 is probably somewhere in the top ten most misapplied verses in the Bible. It’s fine to have it on your bumper sticker; but maybe you should include the next couple verses as well! No, God’s plan for his people is not just success and wealth; it’s closeness with him. There is no greater good he can give his people than the joy of loving him and being loved by him; all the worldly prospering is just secondary! So turn your hearts to him! Seek him humbly and pray incessantly; the Lord loves you and will surely listen.
