October 10, 2022

“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.” (Jeremiah 29:4-4)

God’s people are in exile – bereft and estranged from all that gives them identity and comfort. And yet God directs them to put down roots – plant gardens, build houses, marry their neighbors. In other words – go live your life.

Living the life we’ve been given to live tempers the urge to go find better pastures. “What you don’t have - you don’t need it now.” (Beautiful Day)

There is great comfort in that, yes?

“Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 23 – BCP)