March 22

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.

In this verse, God spoke to Israel and told them that in spite of appearances and their present captivity in Babylon, He had a definite plan for them. “God has not cast away His people which He foreknew”. Romans 11:2. Likewise, today He has a definite plan for their blessing, which will very shortly be accomplished. But let us apply these words to present day Christians, to all who have TRULY come to Jesus and have turned from their former sinful way of life.

What a comfort is in these words! WE are changeable like the weathercock on a rooftop: we alter with every changing breeze. Today we think that we are saved, filled with the Spirit, and on our way to heaven. Then we have a relapse; doubts fill our heart and we wonder about spiritual things and question whether we are even truly saved. But praise God, He tells us in Malachi 3:6, “I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed”. When we truly have an encounter with the LORD JESUS, our name is written down in heaven, we become indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and God’s purpose and determination is to one day bring us to port in the heavenly Jerusalem. This is His plan. This is the “expected end” that we can anticipate. Thank you Jesus.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30