For thus saith the Lord, that after 70 years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. Jeremiah 29:10
This was not a happy moment for Judah and the people in Jerusalem; Nebuchadnezzar had come and carried all the princes and most of the people off to Babylon. Undoubtedly many of them were wishing that they had listened more closely to Jeremiah. But in His goodness, God did not take away the voice of Jeremiah, but instructed him to continue speaking to God’s people. God always has His voice to speak His message, regardless of the situation or the period of history. No power on earth can silence the voice of God.
This time, Jeremiah had no reproach, but encouragement. He urged the people who were taken captive to make the best of their life in their new homes, and to raise families so that there would be a people to return to Jerusalem. But there was a catch, a huge catch, as far as the Israelites were concerned. Jeremiah told them that their captivity would be 70 years.
What would you do if you were in difficult circumstances and were told that those circumstances would be remedied in 70 years? Not much short-term comfort in such a long-term promise! Very few would ever see Jerusalem again in their lifetimes. Most would die in captivity.
God has also given us some long-term promises, things that we will not see in our lifetimes, at least not before the Rapture. But unlike the Jews in captivity, we will actually see the fulfillment of our long-term promises. What an encouragement! The wonderful environment of the Millennial Reign is coming. And we should eagerly anticipate it. But God has given to us to occupy here now, seek to win souls, and live for him.
Unlike those Jews of ancient time, we have a hope of our Lord’s imminent return. So let us rejoice in serving Him, secure in the knowledge that we shall indeed see the results of His long-term promises. -Jim MacIntosh