Plans are important. Anticipating future needs and making preparation for those moments is wise. A decade ago, I started to take little steps toward the goal of stepping away from full-time ministry at age 66. When that time came, I was financially ready and emotionally prepared to hand over leadership of the congregation I served for many years.
Now let me seem to contradict that opening paragraph by saying this – LIVE NOW!
If we allow ourselves to be distracted today by a fascination with some event in the future, we will surely miss the opportunities that are unique to the moment.
The preacher, Jeremiah, taught this to the Lord’s people who had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, who were carried off to the city of Babylon, some six hundred miles from their homes. Some of their leaders assured the people that the Lord would surely intervene so they would return to Jerusalem in a short time. These lies were attractive and comforting to those who were struggling in a new land; lonely, and afraid.
God told Jeremiah that the exile would last for 70 years so the preacher taught the people that it was important for them to get on with life. "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have." (Jeremiah 29:3-8, NIV)
Jeremiah told them the truth – “You are not coming home anytime soon. Your grandchildren will return so you must get on with life here, full of hope, but not empty dreams!”
At the outset of this new year, we can find great wisdom in that passage for our own lives! Peter tells us that we are “aliens and strangers” here on this earth, but it is our present home, so we must carry on with life – even as we hope for the time when God takes us home. We honor our God and bring glory to our Savior by being good citizens, industrious, and praying for our community.
If we step back from engaging with our culture, living with excellence, as ‘salt and light’ because we are focused on the Second Coming of Jesus or waiting on the outbreak of some great spiritual revival, we miss God’s best right now.
There is great comfort in the promise of the “Kingdom to come,” in the anticipation of Heaven’s home. We do well to remember that we are a people of eternity, living with the long-range vision God gives to us. In tension with that, however, is the call to live for Christ in the present, finding His grace and being a blessing in the world.
After telling the exiles in Babylon that they were in it for long haul Jeremiah finished his message with promise. "This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:10-14, NIV)
They were people of the present with hope for the future. So are you and me!
Jesus told a parable (a story that teaches a spiritual principle) to His disciples. It was about a nobleman that was going on a long trip. Before he left, he entrusted his wealth to three servants. That nobleman told them "Occupy ‘till I come." (Luke 19:13, KJV) In other words, they were instructed to use the resources given to them wisely, to invest them in life! Two of them did just that and were commended for their faithful diligence. One hid the treasure, keeping it safe, but unused. That servant was condemned!
So, here is the phrase for those of us who are pilgrims, looking for a heavenly home. “Occupy ‘till I come!”
Here is a word from the Word, Jeremiah’s words to exiles that address us as well. “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29)
Live NOW, for the glory of God.
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