Exiles

“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 their 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. - Jeremiah 29:4-7

We can all heave a sigh of relief in the UK that the local elections are over. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland now know who their devolved representatives are, and maybe we will get some peace from cheshire smiling politicians on the TV. But, then next month, we are all launched into a referendum to see if we want to be a part of the European Union or not. Make no mistake, democracy is important, but it can overtake the rest of your life. A certainty in these elections is that the thoughts, fears and opinions of the Christian population are sidelined, while other minorities get centre stage. It was impossible to find a party or politician who had a high moral and ethical outlook, never mind a practicing Christian.

God’s people were living in a country they didn’t choose, under a government they didn’t ask for, and oppressed. Not only were they a minority, they really were silenced by the ungodly masses they had to live among. They had no say. They moaned, wrung their hands and pointed fingers because it wasn’t fair. They complained, became bitter, and thought they deserved better. They wanted God to step in and rescue them, but God reminded them that they were there because they had disobeyed God’s commandments and it was their own doing! There is a direct parallel and lesson for us. Our country is in this state because we, as a people, government and nation have turned our backs on God’s ways. It’s really not complicated.

I like God’s two fold action for His people, and it applies equally today. You may not be able to alter the situation right away, but while you wait for God’s plan to unfold, live as the Holy people you claim to be right where you are. Make those differences which may be in your gift, and all the while, work for the good of those people who don’t respect you, or your faith. If you improve the people, community and nation around you, then ultimately you benefit yourselves. While doing all you can to improve things around you, God is already working on His part of the bargain. Just a few verses after the passage above, the prophet continues with God’s Word and the security only He can bring, so be patient because God has it all under control. We know the end of the story…..   

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear 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, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. - Jeremiah 29:11-14