Today and Tuesday

“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 their 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 29:4-7

These words of instruction from the book of Jeremiah ring in my ears. These are words that compel us to connect with our culture. To build houses, to settle in, to marry, to raise families; not as permanent residents, but exiles.

I am deeply grateful for this country. I am humbled to live in this land, to call it home, and as such I sense the responsibility that rests on me. This propels my heart to ache for those so deeply impacted by the powerful strength of Hurricane Sandy. Prayers for the welfare of the city ring throughout the Church. What a ripe opportunity to put the love and compassion of Jesus on display.

And then next Tuesday democracy goes on display. Voters of all persuasions cast ballots while the faithful exiles combine their checked boxes with earnest prayer… for the welfare of the city. These are important votes, but more importantly, these are prayers for mercy and life and liberty.

God is God. He is the Alpha, the Omega. He is not to be trifled with, nor to be ignored, nor to be manipulated. He is above all things and He implores us to pray for our city, not out of patriotism but obedience, not for supremacy but stewardship. For justice, for honor, for freedom, for Godliness.

Building, planting, growing, expanding, healing and hoping.

For the broken and battered, for the sake of the exiles.

To our King; for our King. For the welfare of the city where God has placed us in exile.