“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT).
Jeremiah 29:7 is a verse that should show up more in our thoughts and conversations. Those encouraging words are found in the context of a terrible situation–exile.
For many years, God had sent prophets to warn the people of Israel and Judah of the impending invasion and subsequent exile that was coming if they did not turn to the Lord. The Israelites had forgotten God and instead were worshiping the idols of the neighboring nations.
When His people didn’t turn back to God, God allowed them to be conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar and the key leaders were taken as captives to Babylon–a long journey of 500 miles. In Jeremiah 28, false prophets had told the exiles in Babylon that they would be returning home in two years and to not listen to Jeremiah. But Jeremiah stayed true to God’s message and warned that these false prophets were wrong and the exile of the Israelites would last 70 years.
God spoke to Jeremiah and told him to write a letter to the exiles. I would expect such a letter would include warnings about not being assimilated into Babylonian life and culture, or harsh with lessons they needed to learn in exile. But the letter was not like that at all. Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles was full of hope and plans for the future.
“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:5-7 (NLT). These were instructions to be present where they were, to be involved, to serve, to connect, to make a difference. God also encouraged them to pray for their conquerors, because–(don’t miss this)--when they prayed for their conquerors to prosper, God would bless them because of the Israelites.
That is a shocking concept! The idea that God will bless my enemies for my sake is amazing. Jeremiah 29:7 applies to us today in several ways:
God Has A Purpose For You In the Place You Are
God has you where you are for a purpose. We have a calling to seek the flourishing of the city we live in by praying for it, by serving it, by making a difference for the city.
We might not be in the place that we want to be, but God has us where we are not to just bide our time, not to just take from where we are, not to endure where we are–but to make a difference where we are as representatives of Jesus Christ.
Bring Shalom to the City.
Shalom is the word found in Jeremiah 29:7 translated peace and prosperity. Shalom is a word that is rich in meaning. It’s way more than just peace and prosperity. It means: Total flourishing in every way—socially, economically, physically, and spiritually. God is saying: I want you to not just endure or put up with your city—I want you to support your city, pray for it, help it, serve it. Pray for its Shalom.
Pray For Midland
Pray for our leaders, pray for the people around us, pray for your enemies, pray for your city. You might feel like you are in exile in the Permian but no matter what, God still has a purpose for you right now, right here.
Jeremiah 29:7 is revolutionary advice. The Israelites were told to actively want peace and prosperity for the same people who took them captive. They weren’t to pray for their destruction, but for good things to happen to them.
Whether you feel like an exile in the Permian or not. God has you here for a reason. So, be here. Be connected. Be engaged. Love your city–and you will be amazed at what God will do!
