Selfless and Loving
I have plans for you, says the Lord.
These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But 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. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let the prophets and the diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, says the Lord. For thus says the Lord : Only when Babylon’s seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord , plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:1,4-13
Sometimes, we just have to be patient.
God's plans for us may not be just for us, but for all of us, and we play a part in that plan, but not the part we would have hoped to play.
In today's reading, God gives the people hope for a future that they may not see. That may not be so motivating, so He also gives them something to do that will help them while they wait.
Make homes for yourself and raise families.
It reminds me of the hope of the immigrants who came to this country back when my grandparents did.
They saw the future for their children, even though they didn't imagine as good a life for themselves.
They were selfless and loving.
The future God plans for us is one of hope. If we know the future will be better for our children, we can bear all the trials and tribulations of the day.
At the center, I believe, we are like God in that sense, selfless and loving. We want to build a future for those we love, whatever it takes.
Sacrifice is worth it for those we love.
Lately, though, we have lost touch with that hope and promise.
We don't see a better future for our children.
Maybe we should try to do something about that.
More to come...