Jeremiah 29:1-23: Living as Exiles
HAVING LIVED FOR several years in various countries, I admit there were times I honestly didn't want to be there. Life would have been much more familiar and comfortable in my home country where at least I understood how things were done. On those days when I really felt like a foreigner, it was good to remember that God had put me in these unfamiliar surroundings, and he would sustain me. He could transcend differences of culture and language, and he was carrying out his purposes in that place. Jeremiah needed to remind his people of these things as well.
Warming Up to God
When have you felt like a foreigner? (It may have been in your own hometown.) What difference did your faith in the Lord make at those times?
Read Jeremiah 29:1-23. »
Discovering the Word
- What attitude did Jeremiah urge the Jews to have toward Babylon, where they were exiled (vv. 4-9)?
- In verses 10-14 what gracious promise did the Lord make?
- What would be the people's part in realizing God's promise (vv. 12-13)?
- What was happening to contradict God's message to the exiles (vv. 8-9, 15, 20-23)?
- What was the difference between the hope held out by the false prophets and the hope held out by the Lord?
Applying the Word
- Consider any place, situation or circumstance where the Lord has placed you for now but where you don't want to be. How might verses 5-7 apply to your attitude and behavior?
- What hope do you draw from God's promises in verses 11 and 14?
- How can that situation drive you to seek the Lord more earnestly (v. 13)?
Responding in Prayer
Taking verses 12-13 as your model, come to the Lord in very private prayer. Seek his will and his comfort for that situation which you chafe at. Rest in the assurance that he has only good plans for you.
For Further Study
God's Comfort by Jack Kuhatschek