Cheer Up Instead of Give Up – There’s Hope

 Jeremiah 29:10-14

Introduction: Do you ever feel like giving up? Giving up on a loved one? Feeling hopeless? I’ve got “GOOD NEWS.” Our Lord doesn’t give up on us! God’s great unconditional love and commitment to His people, especially the nation of Israel, as demonstrated in this passage, is an example that brings security and hope in this life. He has our best interest in mind, which is proven thru His chastisement (Heb 12:5). This is the lesson learned throughout the book of Jeremiah. With that in mind, this gives believer’s (3) reasons to serve the Lord Jesus, to give to the Lord Jesus, and to love the Lord Jesus!

1. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did not GIVE UP on me or You! (Jeremiah 29:11)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” [The words “expected end” is tik taw which means “hopeful future”!]

{This verse (v.11) comes after (v.10) where God announces that because of Israel’s, more specifically Judah’s, disobedience (Jer 29:10-see Lev 25), she would be led into captivity in Babylon for 70 years (see the books of Ezekiel Daniel, etc.). This would be for the purpose of learning to “KISS the Rod” of God’s correction. “Whom the Lord loves, he chastises” (Heb 12:5).

• God sees a Hopeful future
• On the Potter’s wheel

2. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has taken us PLACES that we could not have gone on our own with RESOURCES we did not have! (Jeremiah 29:14)

“And I will be found….and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”

• It’s not who you know / it’s whose you are
• It’s not who you are / it’s who He is
• It’s not what you have / it’s what He has

{Just as in the case of Israel – even though the Church does not REPLACE Israel, God will make a way}

3. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has PROMISED when we SEEK Him, and SEARCH for Him with all of our Heart, we will find Him! (Jeremiah 29:12, 13)

“Then shall ye call upon me….and ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye search for me with all of your heart.”

When we SEEK Jesus we find:
* He loves us
* He corrects us
* He keeps us
* He strengthens us
* He leads us
* He encourages us
* He is coming back for us

Conclusion: There’s HOPE for tomorrow! This is because, of course, Jesus holds tomorrow. He has a Hopeful future for all who put their trust in Him. Will you now? This includes the times when He allows us to be disciplined… not for our bad, but for our HOPEFUL FUTURE!
 
That means the FUTURE is brighter than ever!!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese