Even though I haven’t gotten to this chapter in my reading through Jeremiah, God thought it was important enough to have someone else point out to me today.
The section is a letter that Jeremiah sent to Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. It was actually a letter from God. Check this out:
“Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.” Jeremiah 29:5-7
The captives thought they would just repent and get to go back home soon. God said, “Don’t get your hopes up. You’re going to be there for a long time.
There’s a whole message in these three little verses, but the one that was especially significant to me today was verse seven. If God really means that for us, think of the implications:
- We are in South Bend because God put us here.
- Because God put us here, we are to work AND pray for South Bend and its people.
- When we work AND pray for South Bend, God will change South Bend, and we will benefit along with everyone else.
I don’t know what that does to you, but that fires me up! Let’s do it!
Until next time,
Dan’l
I am getting excited just reading your recent posts! God is moving at OTCC and I am excited about the ride!!! Thanks for sharing what you can about what is happening and what God is teaching you through your study in Jeremiah.