FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU

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. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This verse is arguably the most popular amongst Christians and many use this verse as though it guarantees earthly success, career advancement, financial prosperity, or an easy life. I think it is tempting to approach the Bible in this manner and interpret certain verses in ways that suits our desires. What we need to consider is the context of this verse and how it applies to New Testament believers.

Firstly, to understand Jeremiah 29:11, we need to go to the preceding verses to see the wider context of it.

Before Jeremiah gave his prophecy, Hanniah a false prophet promised the exiled people in Babylon immediate return to their country. He basically told the people what they wanted to hear (Jeremiah 28:1-4).

In response to this false prophecy, God pronounced judgment on Hananiah which resulted in his death (Jeremiah 28:12-17, Deuteronomy 18:20). After this, it sets the tone for Jeremiah’s words in Jeremiah 29:11.

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfil my good promise to bring you back to this place. 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. Jeremiah 29:10-11 NIV

As we can see, Jeremiah 29:11 is to be understood as part of Jeremiah 29:10.

Jeremiah’s prophecy stated that the people should settle in Babylon and seek the welfare of the city (Jeremiah 29:1-8).

These verses were written to the people of Israel, who were experiencing God’s discipline for their disobedience. And this has been the case in Israel's history. When they disobey God they experience God’s discipline but blessings for obedience. And in the times of Jeremiah, God’s people were sent into exiles because of their persistent disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:49). 

It is important to note that Deuteronomy 28, blessings, and curses, only applies to the Old Covenant, and that New Covenant believers cannot claim material blessings for obedience. What we find in the New Testament is that God often blesses obedience in temporal ways (Matthew 6:33).

Scripture teaches that God disciplines his children and faithful Christian’s sometimes suffer greatly which is not the result of blessings or curses. Scripture also reveals that God is faithful and keeps all his promises. He does not abandon His covenant purposes but fulfills them.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV

Jeremiah 29:11 and the entire Old Testament were written for our encouragement, and to strengthen us on our spiritual journey. There are many truths and principles for our personal life.

The plans promised in Jeremiah 29:11 addressed Israel’s restoration from exile, and believers today possess a greater covenant promises fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 8:6).

Looking at the whole book in context to our key verse, and later on in Jeremiah 33:14-16 - God promised His people something phenomenal.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:33-34 ESV

This was speaking about a greater promise of a spiritual salvation and eternal life. These promises changes everything for followers of God. The days of the law in stone tablets and temple worship will come to an end and the inauguration of the New Testament era with a better covenant will be fulfilled in Christ.

This also goes with other new covenant promises found in Ezekiel 36:26. The prophet Ezekiel promised a new heart and the giving of the Holy Spirit to believers. Christ fulfilled these great promises of God through His atoning work on the cross for both Old and New Testament saints (Romans 3:23-26). 

Ultimately, through Christ we have the righteousness of God and the gift of eternal life. Earthly blessings are temporal and our hearts should be set on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). 

After interpreting this verse in context of the whole Bible, are we supposed to apply Jeremiah 29:11 directly to our personal situation? I don’t think so, however, Christians can still receive encouragement from Jeremiah 29:11, provided they understand its original meaning first.

The promise in Jeremiah 29:11 was not directly written to New Testament believers, but revealed the same covenant keeping God who is faithful and good ( James 1:17).

This prophecy was fulfilled when God people’s returned from exile and the greater purpose of this promise was fulfilled in the coming of Christ. And it will be fulfilled in the future in heaven. In speaking about God’s plans for us, I think New Testament believers have a better and glorious promise from God.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3 ESV

This is God’s glorious eternal plans for His children. Union with Christ gives eternal blessings which includes the whole scope of our great salvation. Election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness and sealing of His Spirit which are found in Ephesians 1:1-14.

Although believers will experience difficulties in this life, they will always enjoy the peace and spiritual prosperity of God ( John 16:33).

We should delight in God and trust in Him despite our situation and look to our eternal joy with God. The old covenant was always looking forward to Christ who gives us a greater covenant. Therefore, let’s hope for a greater glorious prosperity in the Kingdom of our Lord and God (Luke 12:32).