Reflections: Jeremiah 29:11 hangs on the walls of many Christian homes, claiming God’s promise of prosperity, hope and a future. But how many of us read the verse before? Here we find that this promise was not made to us but Judah, and before future prosperity must come 70 years of judgment through exile. This isn’t ultimately the promise of health, wealth or prosperity. It’s the promise of a restored relationship—a restored kingdom. God is renewing the very promise he made to Abraham, Moses and David. But this time, he won’t let us stuff it up: “I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin” (Jer 31:34). Through Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant, God will once and for all end the cycle of sin, bring us home and secure a new beginning (Heb 9:15).
Question: In what ways do we misconstrue God’s promise of forgiveness for personal material gain? What comfort should it give us that Jesus has secured God’s eternal unbreakable covenant?
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for never giving up on us. Despite us repeatedly breaking your covenant, you permanently commit yourself to us in Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to realise and enjoy your greatest blessings not as material wealth but eternal forgiveness found in your Son. Amen.