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These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 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. (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)
For those of you whose jobs require occasional transfers, it is difficult to make moves and even more so for your children. Every Sunday I like to read the Business section of a major city's newspaper and on every second page is an interview with a CEO of a company. This past Sunday, the person interviewed grew up with a dad who worked for the State Department of The United States, and she moved more than she cared for, but each move brought to her life that which was needed to make her the success she is today as founder and CEO of a company that empowers women in the workplace.
A forced move by armed soldiers would be a move none of us would like to make. Yes, some pastors believe a change in appointment is much the same thing; armed soldiers surround your home and order you to pack and move away with little to no notice. (It's not true!). But the exiles of Jerusalem found themselves in Babylon. They did not like it and their dissatisfaction showed in their attitude and their productivity. There was none. So, the prophet, the spokesperson for God, Jeremiah sends the words in the above passage: Love Where You Live sums it up. Build house and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce; while you're at it, marry from the people in your surroundings (Pastor's children in the past had been good about marrying in the city where Mom/Dad was serving and they stayed there); marry off your children and have children - multiply and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city where God has sent you and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for its wellbeing will be your wellbeing.
This holds true even for us regardless of where we are and where we will be. Pray for the city or community where we live and know that as it prospers, so will we. Its wellbeing will be our wellbeing.
PRAYER: Gracious God, help us to follow what You said through the prophet and help us to bless wherever it is we are. Grant us the attitude and the grace to be a blessing to You and Yours; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
