Following the God Who TransformsНамуна

Read: Jeremiah 29:4–7

4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

The God of Exiles

Because of their sin and rebellion, God allowed many of the Israelites to be captured and forcibly removed to Babylon. In fact, God said “I have carried you into exile.” But God did not abandon his people, nor rescind their calling to be a blessing to the nations. Even in captivity they were told to seek the peace and prosperity of their host nation.

We don’t often think about construction, farming and raising children as ways to obey God and bless our neighbors. And we often don’t recognize how immigrants and refugees who are exiles among us bless our nation through their service in these and other areas that are critical to human flourishing. We rely on the labor of others to survive, just as others depend on us. Whatever your job or occupation, you have a role to play in supporting not only yourself and your family, but your nation as well. You also have a responsibility to pray for your leaders, and to use your voice and influence to encourage them in the work of just governance.

But it doesn’t all depend on you. Psalm 127 reminds us that “unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Like the Hebrew exiles, you are called to pray for the health of the nation. As you meditate on God’s Word, ask him to empower you as a channel of his love through your work, worship, advocacy and service. Resolve to be a blessing to your neighbors and your nation.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for placing me in this nation for such a time as this. Thank you for the structures of our common life that in your providence enable me to prosper and live at peace with my neighbors, both natives and newcomers. Help me always to remember that I depend upon others, even as they depend on me, and that all of us depend on you. Amen.

Today's audio was narrated by Nick Hall: Founder and President, Pulse Evangelism.