Jeremiah 29:1–14 – The Israelites were exiled to Babylon partly as a judgement in their spiritual erosion, whereby they had compromised their morals to fit in with the world, but also as a “spiritual gym” to strip away their comforts and renew their faith. But during their time in exile God, through Jeremiah, tells them to build in that land, he tells them to build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; and to keep having children. Like the exiles, Christians today live in a culture that often challenges biblical truth. But rather than withdrawing, God calls His people to live faithfully where they are – building strong homes, serving with integrity, and seeking the good of those around them.
