Before we cruise through this blog, it is important to take a look at the Bible verses attached. While I recommend reading all of Jeremiah, I know that’s not happening with most of us. But please at least read Jeremiah 29: 4-7. I’m hoping by that time we are hooked. If your Bible isn’t handy, the VERSES tab has them written there.
Ahhh… God’s people are in a pickle now. Although God has displayed His glory, provided for His people, protected them against enormous odds …well you get the picture. He has clearly been God. Yet Israel, His beloved people, continue to turn away. Whether they are clinging to idols, being influenced by social media (yes they had it - just looked a little different), embracing the surrounding culture or just plain getting off track … the Israelites turned from God.
Warnings, encouragement, laws, pronouncements, surrounded them. Yet they kept going in the wrong direction. And so the pattern that God has used prevailed … it was time for serious consequences. They were taken into exile by a harsh leader. Exile meant they were drawn from their meeting places, unable to choose their surroundings and just plain not able to have and do what they wanted.
Into this dire situation, God sent through His prophet Jeremiah, a letter. The God who sees all things and knows the future as well as the best path through all situations … sent Israel a letter. He told them in their place of exile to build houses, to plant gardens, to continue with marriage and babies. God told them to pray for the peace and prosperity of the place where they lived in exile. He cautioned them not to be deceived.
The Lord God then assured His people He would come for them and bring them back. He promised them His plans would prosper them and give them both hope and a future. He said to call upon Him and pray. He would listen. He said that Israel would find Him, when they sought Him with their whole heart.
These days are full of opportunities to turn our faces to God. This time of exile is a familiar pattern of trouble in the world. It will always be here in some form. There are beginnings and endings - God sees it all. The letter to the exiles of Israel is just as applicable today. It really says … keep going in life. Sit still with God. Trust His promises. He has plans for us … good plans. And for all our sakes …. pray … for leaders and community …without ceasing … with faith … God is listening.
May God bless us today in exile and keep us looking at Him.
Love,
Bev