Today's Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-7
"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."
In the 1984 movie Red Dawn, the United States is invaded by the Soviet Union and its Cuban allies. While the movie didn't provide much background detail, the invasion, as depicted by events in Colorado, was a part of World War III. A band of guerillas called the "Wolverines" fought back, and the end of the movie implies that the United States won the war.
While Red Dawn is a fictionalized Hollywood production, nations have invaded other nations throughout history. Today's passage speaks of the kingdom of Judah, the last of the kingdom of Israel, being invaded by the Babylonians and carried off into captivity.
Finding themselves in Babylon, the people of Judah are instructed by God to build homes, plant gardens, and multiply. But their instruction didn't stop there. They were also instructed to seek the welfare of Babylon and to intercede before the Lord on its behalf.
Many times we lock in on the "pray" part of this verse, and others, that teach us to pray for our enemies. But the captives weren't to just pray for Babylon, the were to actively seek its welfare. They were to work for it and take an active role in the welfare of the city.
While we certainly aren't wartime captives in our communities, what if we reset our thinking a bit about connecting in community?
Much of the emphasis this week has been on connecting in the community of church. But let's take that a step further now, and seek the welfare of our community, and intercede before God on its behalf.
What if a whole church could reset and connect into its community? Could the church that worships together, grows together, and serves together overflow into the community and bring about positive change? Could a church affect the welfare of its community?
I believe it could. It would be a glorious thing to see a church connected into community so tightly that it could be said, "As the church goes, so goes the community. And as the community goes, so goes the church."
That's where it could go. But it begins with believers seeking and actively working toward the welfare of their community, and interceding before the Lord for it.
Think about it …
In what ways can your church connect into its community for its welfare?
What are some needs in your community that you, a small group, or your church could lean into for its welfare?
