Jeremiah 29:1-32

Jeremiah 29:1-32

👉 How to Live While in Exile

The people’s wicked ways and wrong choices have led them to a place of exile – far from the comforts of home – in a land that didn’t belong to them.

How could they possibly endure? How were they supposed to function in this foreign place?

they were to remember that the Lord was in control even in exile (v 4) – “to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile”
they were to anticipate a lengthy stay (v 5) – “build houses and live in them” – permanent dwellings and not tents
they were to experience growth and provision (v 5) – “plant gardens and eat their produce”
they were to experience joyous occasions – weddings and births – they were to multiply and not decrease while in exile (v 6) – “take wives and have sons and daughters…”
they were to pray for the peace and prosperity of the city (v 7) – “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile”
they were to listen to the Lord and not false prophets (v 8 ) – “do not let the prophets and diviners deceive you”

👉 Where does the Lord have you right now?

Perhaps it’s a difficult place – one that you would rather not be in. Maybe you were hoping for a different town, a more exciting career, a more influential ministry, just something more.

What if we were just all in – right here – where the Lord has placed us in this moment?

What if we didn’t live with one eye on the exit?

What if we trusted that – even in this – the Lord was sovereign – in control?

What if we spent our time building, planting, multiplying, and praying?

I’ll tell you what will happen – the Lord will be faithful to his Word.

Maybe not in two years (like the false prophet told the people). It may be seventy years – because that’s what the Lord told the people (v 10).

But the Lord will (v 10-14):