“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 29:7 ESV).
Jeremiah told those who had been exiled to Babylon to “seek the welfare” of that city. In the original Hebrew, Jeremiah told them to seek the “shalom” or “peace” of the city. The word “shalom” is rich in meaning. It implies not only “peace,” but “wholeness, prosperity, happiness, blessing” and of course, “welfare.” The exiles were told to plant, build, marry, and increase, not decrease there. They were to be a blessing to the city, for in its peace they would have peace too.
Are we a blessing to the city to which we’ve been sent? If our church ceased to exist in our city, would anyone notice? In our zeal to separate ourselves from the world, we tend to gather in a holy huddle around the Light while leaving those around us in darkness. Instead, let us be a light in our city, seeking its shalom and praying for it in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, hear our prayer. For we confess that we often complain about the city to which You’ve called us. Forgive us and help us to be a blessing. Strengthen us to share Your gospel of peace until everyone in our city has heard. In Jesus’ name, amen.