Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Anyone remember the old television program Father Knows Best? It was about the life and times of a family lead by a wise and caring dad that seemed to always find the correct answer for problems facing his family. The series was popular and well received mainly because it undergirded the belief system of the culture of the 1950s. Which was, dads are important, so listen and learn from them. That sentiment continued and prevailed to such a degree that in 1966, President Johnson established the 3rd Sunday in June as Fathers Day. (Mothers Day began in 1914!) Anyway, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all our dads. Lol
This morning I’d like us to take a serious look at ourselves. And not the general cursory view we often take when doing self evaluation, but an in-depth, deep and honest assessment. And in this assessment I need you to be as frank and honest as you’ve ever been with yourself, and without ambiguity, or excuse, declare if you’re ready to surrender everything to the will of the Father. And when I say everything, I mean everything, without exception, exclusion or explanation.
Now I’m positive, without even thinking about it, many of us have agreed we are willing to do anything for God. But if I give you a little more time, you might think of a thing or two that you’d rather not live without. And it’s those little things that are huge indicators of the exceeding hardness of our hearts. The Bible is clear. We are rebellious by nature. The very essence of our flesh fights against the will of God. But thank God for Jesus we have been born again. And although we still struggle, the battle is winnable. But that’s only if we listen to the Father, because He knows best.
The book of Jeremiah is a collection of writings, prophecies, and warnings to the children of Israel regarding God’s plan for their lives. The intent of God is clearly stated in our scripture this morning. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. But instead of embracing the plan of God, the people rejected God, and suffered mightily because of it.
And I’m sure an uninformed reader would assume God is petty and vindictive for punishing and killing folk just because they disobeyed Him. But in truth, it’s just the opposite. God’s warnings and admonitions are safeguards and protection for His people. Because God knows what’s on the horizon, he sounds the alarm through His prophets, preachers and spiritual people. Following God’s directives saves your life. Ignoring them, may cost you everything.
There’s a parallel in this story that resonates with us today. At the time of Jeremiah, the people of Israel were still in temple worship. They hadn’t stopped attending service. To onlookers and bystanders, things seemed fairly normal. But God took note of their indifference to the suffering of poor, oppressed and underprivileged people. While the religious elite were doing their thing, they forsook what was important to God. And that’s what cost them their kingdom. When God is demanding change, you can’t appease Him with a gift or token. You gotta make the change.
On Father’s Day, my children will generally try and get something, or say something that they assume will make me happy. They will call, or send a gift of some kind. And trust me, I’m very appreciative of even the smallest gesture of love. But they all still know that the rules, regulations and expectations I’ve put in place, remain in place. Because no matter what you try and do, dad cannot be charmed!
Well, if that rule goes for me, how much more does it apply to God? Church, let me tell you, God cannot be charmed. You can’t change His mind with a song and dance. He will not be charmed. You can’t tithe your way out of obedience. You can’t preach your way out of sin. Whatever God institutes is law. When He decides to change the season in your life, it’s changed. There’s a season to gather and there’s a season to plant. There’s a time, a place and methodology to the movement of God. Understand the time we’re in. Understand the assignment you (we) have, and let’s do it with everything that’s in us. Because God cannot be charmed.
Dear Saints of The Most High, God’s “plans to prosper” likely doesn’t match our earthly definitions. His plans are far bigger, and they always further His good. Maybe His plans to prosper you are plans to pull you into His work. Plans that invite you to care for others in the most practical ways. Plans that bless you more deeply and richly than you could have ever imagined. Remember, Father knows best.
Gods Bless
