The Plans I Have For You

Many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. (Ezra 3:12-13, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Seventy years of captivity in a foreign land, yet some still lived that remembered Solomon’s magnificent temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonian army of king Nebuchadnezzar. But at the appointed time God intervened to return the exiles to Judah. “This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:10-11, NIV 1984). Jeremiah was a prophet at the time that Judah fell. This is the message he sent to the exiles in Babylon. Yes, God was dealing with their rebellion, but He still had promises to keep and plans to fulfill for His chosen people.

The writing was already on the wall for Babylon, long before it was revealed to Belshazzar through Daniel. “Then Daniel answered the king [Belsahzzar], ‘I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. Mene, mene, tekel, parsin…'” (Daniel 5:17, 25, NIV 1984). Numbered – “when seventy years are completed.” Daniel was one of the exiles who were taken to Babylon and had who, through the workings of God, rose to favor in the king’s court during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.

God not only numbers the days of nations, but He also knows the names of those He calls to set in motion the “plans I have for you.” How does a tiny captive people group exit the captivity of a mighty dynasty? Not through a native son, like Moses, this time. But by a pagan king that God raised up for this very purpose.

“This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: ‘Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the Lord Almighty.'” (Isaiah 45:11-13, NIV 1984). Isaiah was a prophet of Judah from 739 to 682 B.C. Long before the fall of the southern kingdom in 586 B.C. and long before Cyrus was born who founded the Persian empire in 550 B.C.

Kings and kingdoms may believe that they control the destinies of many, but God tells us to “remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:9-10, NIV 1984). He may work through kings and kingdoms, but it is His purposes that stand.

So, it stood. The exiles returned, and despite opposition from their enemies and a period that work was suspended, the temple was eventually completed. For those “left who saw [it] in its former glory…[it seemed] like nothing. [But His] Spirit [remained] among [them]. (Haggai 2:3, 5, NIV 1984). During the exile and upon their return, His Spirit remained with them.

My Advice – Jesus was about to return to His Father. To His “former glory.” To “the glory I had with you before the world began.” (John 17:5, NIV 1984). In His parting words He promised His followers, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, NIV 1984). This promise extends to all who put their trust in Him. A comforting promise from the One whose “purpose will stand.”

In the meantime, what is His purpose for you? What “plans [does He] have for you?” For just as certain as you have breath left, He has plans for you. Plans set in motion long before you were born. “Whatever [they are], work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”(Colossians 3:23-25, NIV 1984). Seek it. Find it. “Work at it with all your heart.”