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Jeremiah 29 (ESV)

1 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. ² This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem. ³ The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: ⁴ “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ⁵ Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. ⁶ 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. ⁷ 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.

REFLECTION:

Jeremiah wrote to the Judahites in Babylon (v4 to 23 is the content of the letter), instructing them to continue to live and to pray for the peace of the Gentiles who took them captive. Life should not be stopped due to hardship. Despite the harsh living environment and poor circumstances, God’s people should try their best to adapt and live actively. You may find it too difficult to pray for tyrants or unrighteous people, but this is what you need to learn. God’s salvation is for all nations and peoples, no matter who, as long as they are willing to come to God and repent sincerely, God is willing to accept them. Therefore, we should pray for all people, especially those in positions and powers, because God also wants them to be saved (see 1 Timothy 2:1-6). In addition, when you encounter difficulties or suffer sudden changes, don’t give up hope because of fear or uncertain prospects. Instead, pray more persistently, live more actively, try your best to bear a good testimony to God, and attract the non-believers to return to God.

PRAYER:

Come to God humbly, pray for an unrighteous ruler in your eyes, ask God to make him/her repent, give him/her more justice and mercy, and do good things for everyone. Ask God to make you understand that His grace and love do not want anyone to perish. He allows the sun to shine on the righteous as well as the unrighteous. Ask God to enable you to imitate the love of Christ and try your best to preach the gospel of repentance, so that more people will receive God’s salvation.

HYMN:

Let Your Kingdom Come – youtu.be/3Rh8I0r9glA