Daily Manna 22 September
TEXT: Jeremiah 29:1-9
1. Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;
2. After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;
3. By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,
4. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;
5. Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;
6. Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.
7. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it; for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
8. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.
9. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name; I have not sent them, saith the LORD.
KEY VERSE:
And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” – (Jeremiah 29:7)
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
Prophet Jeremiah’s concern for the captives who left in the first siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon was passionate considering the nature of advice, counsel and instruction he gave to them as he was directed by God. Love, care and concern have always yielded positive results when appreciated.Related Articles
Virtues like these are only possible through effective and fervent prayers which the agonising and weeping prophet of Judah had embarked on for a long time. Praying for our land and the people is a duty we owe and we must ensure we faithfully discharge it for the good of all and sundry in the nation.
Jeremiah was sent with a message to the captives of Judah staying in Babylon urging them to build and dwell in goodly homes and plant gardens and eat fruits there. They were to marry and bear children as well as allow their sons to get married and give out their daughters in marriage. Indeed, he reminded them that God would like them to remain in the land of captivity, increase and multiply until the appointed time of seventy years when he would graciously bring them back to Jerusalem.
The most High is a wise, loving, caring and principled God who must carry out His purpose and plan according to His prerogatives. He cares, whether His people are in the land of Judah or in Babylon, the land of captivity. Wherever we find ourselves, let us be sure His mercy and goodness will cover us. Whoever trusts in the Lord shall not make haste. He has his appointed time for the release and return of the captives. He only requires our patience and supplication. He has promised and He will definitely not tarry more than necessary.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Prayer and patience will secure us divine promises.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 18-20
Thanks for reading Today’s Daily Manna – Pray For The Land – by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi.
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Daily Manna 22 September 2020 Devotional
