A Charlois Pastoral Reflection

Saturday, October 9th, 2022

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV

It was the spring of 2003 and I was in the third year of my pastoral appointment at Bybee UMC.  Being spring it was that time when discussions were starting about changes.  Rumor had it that I was in line for a move to another church.  Although I didn’t want a move, because of the uncertainty, I knew it was entirely possible.

During my devotional time one evening I was thumbing my way through my Bible when this passage caught my attention.  I knew I had read it before but this time it was speaking to me.  “I know the plans I have for you…” God was comforting me through His word.

Let’s look at the larger context.  Israel was in exile in Babylon and the wailing was great.  Along comes Jeremiah and speaks these words or more exactly the words of Jeremiah 29:10-14.  He said in time you will be delivered.  I will bless you the way I have before.  And you’ll get to go home.  What news this was to those in suffering.  Everything is going to be alright.  He was saying it to the Israelites, but maybe just as important, He was saying it to me.

Isn’t it amazing how something written 2500 years prior could have such power all these years later?  That’s the way it is with scripture.  Anything that God uses to speak to us can be counted as scripture, and thus have power to affect our lives.  While they may not be considered canonical, God can still use any means He desires to speak to His children.

So, keep you eyes and ears open and be ready to hear the Creator speak.  It just may change your life.

Meditate on that for a while,

Go in God’s grace.

Pastor Yancy