Scripture

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Observation

Jeremiah sends a letter to the priests, elders, prophets and the other people that Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile in Babylon.

The letter carries the command of the Lord for those in Babylon to build houses and settle down, to marry and to have children. They are to seek the peace and prosperity of the city and to pray for it. If the city prospers they too will prosper.

They are not to listen to the false prophets and diviners, their dreams and lying prophecies. These are not sent by the Lord.

Application

It is easy to be critical of the politicians and institutions which lead our nation, state or city. There is much to be critical of, especially when it seems that our society is rapidly casting off all vestiges of christian values.

Rather than criticise, we should pray. As our city and nation prospers we too will prosper.

We must pray for prosperity, asking God to bless our nation, even those who rebel against Him. Babylon was so evil that it became a symbol in the Bible for all demonic forces that defy God’s Kingdom. If Jeremiah could instruct Israel’s leaders to pray for this wicked city, then surely we can pray for our own.

We must pray for our leaders to be saved so that the way they lead is shaped by the Kingdom of God not by the kingdom of darkness.

Prayer

Lord I pray for the peace and prosperity of Narrabri and of Australia. May our leaders recognise your authority and align themselves with your values. Amen.