Feb.11, 2005

Kidan

Moderator
Faith in Tomorrow

Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NRSV)
Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But 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 find your welfare. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let the prophets and the diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, says the LORD.

For thus says the LORD: Only when Babylon's seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

The LORD says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
-Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)


THESE were the final days of Judah. The Babylonian army had invaded Jerusalem, taking the king and residents into captivity. The people were in despair.

Into Judah's midnight hour came God's message of hope and comfort. The prophet Jeremiah said that the Israelites would remain in Babylon for 70 years, but God assured them they would not perish. They were to carry on normal activities -- building houses, planting gardens, marrying, and having children. Also, they were instructed to seek God with all their hearts while they were in captivity. They were to pray and seek the peace and prosperity of their adopted cities. For in the prosperity of those cities, the Israelites too would prosper. Jeremiah assured the people that after these 70 years had passed, they would be restored to Jerusalem. The Israelites needed this hope and comfort.

The message for us from this story is that no matter what our situation, the future holds hope. During times of uncertainty, we do not have to settle down in despair or to charge ahead in folly. Like the Israelites, we can live fully where we are, knowing that God wants to prosper us, to give us "hope and a future."
Sandi Somers (Alberta, Canada)

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope you offer for the future. Help us to accept change without fear and to be confident that you will lead us. Amen.
 
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