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.
There Welfare is Your Welfare
The above verse is plucked out of a series of verses that record Jeremiah’s instructions to those from the nation of Israel that had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Jeremiah is instructing the captives on how to live in a foreign land. These are instructions coming from God through the voice and writings of Jeremiah. This is the WORD OF THE LORD. These words are not up for compromise or modification. They are to be obeyed. The point of the above verse tells the exiles to seek the welfare of Babylon. We have remember that Nebuchadnezzar was not a nice king. The Babylonians had done some wicked things to other countries. If we remember the story of the prophet Jonah we might grasp the angst Jeremiah’s words are to the exiles. Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh to preach God’s grace. Nineveh was the capital city of Babylon. Jonah did not want to preach God’s grace there because he knew God would probably forgive the Babylonians and Jonah knew how wicked they were. This is why the above verse is so amazing. God is telling the exiles to pray for the welfare of Babylon because the welfare of Babylon was also the welfare of the exiles. We may not be part of this world, since we look for a new city who’s builder and maker is God. That is being Kingdom focused. But, God wants us to live in this world. We ought to be praying for the welfare of this country we live in, because their welfare is our welfare. The church thrives in good times and in bad times. History shows us this truth. But, when the welfare of the country slides, so too can the church. Paul said it this way to the church. We ought to obey these words. They are the Word of God:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV Strong's)
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Peace in our lives is directly connected to peace in the lives of those who rule us.
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