SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 29
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION
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.” [Jeremiah 29:7]
Jeremiah advises the exiles to be a blessing wherever God sends them.
Yes, even among their oppressors (the Babylonians) – this again makes me wonder what God’s advice to those under Nazi oppression would be?
I hear in this God’s missional purpose – wherever He sends us, He wants to use us to bring God’s blessing and peace.
“Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. [Matthew 10:11-13]
Jesus sends out His disciples as agents of peace and blessing – whatever town or village the come to.
Whether it is Babylon or Capernaum or Ajax or Port au Prince, we are God’s agents of peace and blessing, called to seek the peace and prosperity of that city, trusting that God will use our efforts for His good purpose.
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. [Matthew 10:16]
Wherever we may be, we are there by God’s design and purpose.
We are to be shrewd and innocent, not selfish or rebellious.
Use our gifts and resources and creativity and strengths to build up and bless the neighbourhood where God has called us, whether they receive it or not.
I find this an encouraging reminder for us as we work in Falby Court as a church.
We are called to be agents of peace and blessing, seeking the peace and prosperity of this community – so that we too might experience it.
God is at work through us, whether we see it or not, whether they accept it or not.
He has good things in mind here, we can be confident!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD [Jeremiah 29:11-14]
PRAYER:
Lord, today I am hearing Your message loud and clear, I need to seek Your blessing so that I may be a blessing.