Pulpit & P
ew
The welfare of the city
Jeremiah 29: 7 says: “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.” (NRSV) The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah wrote a letter God instructed him to send to Jews who had been brought to Babylon in exile. Although they were skilled people and many did well, they did not choose to leave their homeland.
In Psalm 137 they lament that they could not sing songs of home in exile. God knew that these people were tempted to follow false prophets and might attempt escape. Exile takes many forms in our world today. Some are in jobs that don’t pay a living wage, yet other opportunities are scarce.
Many have lost a loved one and are struggling with a life situation not of their choosing. Still others are in a marriage that is a struggle, and there are small children at home. People do not choose these situations just as Jeremiah’s audience did not choose Babylon.
The exiles, like struggling people today, have choices. Many choices lead to outcomes worse than the status quo. Jeremiah told the exiles to build houses and have families in this foreign country.
Today, that would mean investing in your life situation as it is, except for situations of domestic violence.
Our culture exalts freedom of choice, tempting us to overlook the value of present opportunities to do good. Jeremiah is saying: focus on where you are and contribute positively. Bloom where planted.
This is not “just suck it up” advice; this is an invitation to flourish. It is a worldview that recognizes we are all in this together and each of us is impacted by the welfare of others. Value each person and see every situation as an opportunity to make things better. It is called interdependence.
Too often, we think of ourselves as independent. God understands us as connected to each other. Some may think about a person who has deeply hurt them, that they may even hate. That was the situation of those who received this scripture. Yet feelings of hate and resentment damage the person who holds them.
We are called to accept that our own welfare is somehow linked to the welfare of those who hurt us. Harboring resentment and hatred harms the welfare of the community. Forgiveness is an ingredient of the welfare of the community.
— Rev. Dr. Stan Basler Galesburg United Methodist Church
