God’s Big Picture
Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD for it, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
The Babylonian Empire twice deported a vast number of Judeans to Babylon. They included members of the royal family of Judah, high-ranking officials, carpenters, and metalworkers.
They didn’t just take anyone. It’s similar to how the Japanese invaded Baekje long ago, taking its elite potters captive and boosting their own pottery industry.
They selectively took captive Jews who could contribute to the Babylonian economy, education, and culture. These captives formed a community in Judah near the Chebar River and lived there.
The prophet Jeremiah heard that false prophets were deceiving them. These false prophets claimed that the Babylonian captivity would end in two years.
So, he sent this letter. The prophet Jeremiah tells them that they will return after 70 years. He then advises them to prepare for a long-term war. First and foremost, he tells them to make Babylon their home.
He tells them to marry there, have children, raise them, marry them, and prosper there. He tells them to keep in mind that the Babylonian exile will not end soon, and to look to God’s bigger picture.
He also tells them to pray for the peace of Babylon. Praying for the peace of Babylon, a nation that is like an enemy, is not easy. However, he tells them to broaden their perspective.
Because the peace of Babylon means the peace of the people of Judah. To put it in modern terms, he tells them not to remain confined to the immigrant community, but to participate in mainstream society and live with a sense of ownership.
However, there were those who exploited the anxiety of the Babylonian Jewish community. They were “false prophets,” “fortune-tellers,” and “dreamer.” They deceived people by claiming they were receiving “revelation from God.”
This is because, then and now, these people harbor anxiety and fear. To them, Jeremiah introduces “God’s big picture.”
“‘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 a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
God’s true heart is “peace,” “future and hope.” This is the promise of God’s big picture. He tells us to trust in God for prosperity and joy and seek peace in our present circumstances.
Romans 15:13
Father God,
Please help us to always be faithful in our present circumstances.
Don’t be discouraged by comparing ourselves to others or to others.
Trust in God’s big picture and seek peace in our present circumstances.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen
