Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: “Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans. For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.”
Jeremiah 24:5-7

The destruction of Jerusalem and of the temple and captivity in Babylon were all unthinkable to the people of Israel. After all, weren’t they God’s chosen people? How could He ever allow such a thing?

But the corruption that had set in to the culture made it necessary, and their confidence that God would never carry out the threats and judgments about which the prophets had warned them allowed that corruption to deepen.

God had the King of Babylon come and brutally carry some of the people off. It was a warning to the rest of what was to come, and it seemed to the captives like the worst thing that could happen.

But God here explains what everyone had missed. He had taken them away into captivity for their own good. He would preserve them there in Babylon. He would turn their humbled hearts back to Himself, and then He would bring them back to the land.

When we face what looks like disaster and a humiliating end of everything, we wonder where God is and how He could allow such a thing to happen. We don’t know His plan; we wonder why our plans have been cut short.

But God, in His loving care, says that He is always working in all things for your good. You only have to trust Him, and trusting Him, be faithful to His Word. He will accomplish His good and loving purpose in your life.

Lord, I know that I can trust You, no matter what comes. I know that nothing can touch me without Your permission, and that You are working in everything for my good. Help me to rest in knowing all this, today. Help me to faithfully follow You, step by step, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles