“Seek the welfare of the city” (Jer 29:1-13)
Prophecy (speaking out the Word of God in the moment) has two sides to it: the Word itself and the art of delivering it (with pictures, figures, illustrations, language and some sort of psychosis). It is an honourable thing to be called a prophet or it was in Jeremiah’s time; and some sought after the title even by seeking cheap popularity through prophesying with good art yet the message was their own making. Their message sounded good to the hearers and even seemed logical – but it was not from the Lord. They are sternly warned, and Jeremiah takes on the hard task of saying bitter truths in a lengthy letter to a disoriented people in exile.
It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. (Eccl 7:5)
The Lord remains faithful to those who seek him even when a calamity sweeps over a whole nation including those who are upright. The Lord will work out a way by which the upright will find welfare in the storm or captivity. A little endurance will prove that the end is not just being plucked out of the ‘captivity’ but while still there, welfare can be found! From Joseph to Daniel and Mordecai the same testimony rings. “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” (v.7).
In and around Kyambogo, every believer must dedicate time to think and pray about the issues of the land and the city in which we find ourselves in this season. In the University, this semester demands prayers for peace and tranquility; the instabilities faced by this community must end and peace must prevail – both in this campus and in our homes and families. More so, we must rise against the idolatry and witchcraft in the land; as many people come from various backgrounds and bring worship and belief systems that may be contaminated with evil, believers are called upon to arise and seek the spiritual welfare of the land – in watching and praying and calling upon the Lord Almighty to build His throne here.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him in truth, and the good plan he has for us includes for us to be salt and light to this world while we are here today. May God bless you as you watch, pray and shine.