Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Promise and Patience

Julie Jacob
Long Island MTC, NY


 "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."

The backdrop of this passage falls after the ransacking of Jerusalem. The people of Israel have been taken into captivity and left with the prospect of being held in exile for 70 years. And as God spoke to His people, His words to them were not ones of quick resolution, instead they were told to settle in for the long haul.
At first glance, it would be easy to wonder how God would be willing to let his people be removed from their land, and then keep generations from returning to it. A quick reflexive reaction does not allow us any further clarity or thought beyond the immediate confined existence that lay ahead. But God was not condemning His people, as we see within the passage “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.” God further makes the point that the welfare of the city will be where they find their welfare. To put it another way, for in the city’s peace, the people would find their peace. It was God’s desire that His people continue to flourish and grow even in circumstances that were less than ideal and that if they worked for the welfare of the city, they would in turn find their own.
With respect to our own lives, when the unexpected finds its way to disrupt our plans, we must remain steadfast in God’s promise. Though we may find it difficult to patiently wait and work as God intended, it is only in the fullness of that time, working whole heartedly as God calls us to, will we be ready for the future and hope that God promises us. 

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,
We pray that even in the times that we feel like exiles, alone, that You remind us to continue to strive for Your glory. Lord, help us to recognize that all moments in our lives help shape us for the purpose and future You have for us. In Your holy and precious name,
Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
We are clay in the Potter’s hand; it is only through slow molding and fire can we be made ready for His purpose.
 
 

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