Jeremiah wrote that the people will find God in the search. But they could only do this when they believed that God is good. Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.[1]
God used the time of exile to humble the hearts of the people. The purpose of chastening is to get us to return to God. God wants us to confess our sins and draw near to Him. Hebrew 12: 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child. 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? [2]
Seeking God’s Goodness
Before the exile, the people had refused to listen to God, but He got their attention with the exile. It would take some time, but the people would begin to turn back to the Lord. God doesn’t play hide-and-seek with penitent people. Matthew 7: 7Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. [3]
The exiles had to be spiritually tuned in for God to return their fortunes. Deuteronomy 4: 39 “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. 40 If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” [4]
Promises for Those Who Rejected God
Even though the people had sinned, God pursued them. He used exile to get them to understand that He meant business. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God sent promises to those who had rejected Him. If they would turn back and seek Him, He would return their fortunes.
Joel 2: 12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. [5]
God still makes the same promises to us today. We may reject Him, but if we turn back, God is still eager to relent and not punish. This can happen because Jesus paid the blood price for our sin on the cross. This doesn’t mean we simply say words, but that we have a heart change that results in true repentance. We find God in the search when we seek our Savior for forgiveness.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/exile
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.