Exile on Main St: Reflections for ExilesSample

Day 1: Understanding Exile and Purpose

In Jeremiah 29:4-5, God speaks to the exiles in Babylon, urging them to build houses and plant gardens. This command is not merely about survival; it is a call to thrive and invest in their present circumstances.

The Israelites, uprooted from their homeland, might have felt disoriented and hopeless. Yet, God’s message is clear: even in exile, there is purpose.

This directive challenges us to see beyond our immediate discomfort and recognise God's sovereignty in placing us where we are. It invites us to trust that God is at work, even in situations that seem adverse. Just as the Israelites were called to thrive in a foreign land, we, too, are invited to engage fully with our surroundings.

Reflect on how you can contribute positively to your community, workplace, or family. What steps can you take to build and plant in your own "Babylon"? Embrace the opportunity to be a beacon of hope and transformation, knowing that God is at work in and through you.

Consider the relationships and opportunities around you as fields ready for planting. How can you sow seeds of kindness, faith, and love in these areas? Trust that God will bring growth and fruitfulness in His time.

Prayer Reflection

Today, consider how you can build and plant in your own "Babylon." What steps can you take to contribute positively to your community, workplace, or family? Remember, God has a plan for you right where you are.

This Bible Reading Plan is based on a sermon by Rev Jo Leutton.