The Jesse Tree for Families: 17
THE EXILE AND WAITING
Jeremiah 7:1-15; 29:1-14
Throughout their history, the Israelites turned from God and worshipped other idols. In his mercy, God gave them many chances to turn back.
God sent Jeremiah, his last try, to call out for change one more time before he brought bad things upon His people. Jeremiah loved the people, and so he cried out to them, begging them to clean themselves up and return to God’s ways. But they still wouldn’t. They broke Jeremiah’s heart. Jeremiah said he wished his head was a well full of water, and his eyes fountains of tears so he could cry night and day for God’s people.
The Babylonians destroyed the temple of God and carried the Israelites off into exile. But even in their devastation, God had not abandoned them. Seventy years later, he would return for His people and bring them back from exile. But while there, in Babylon, they were to seek the flourishing of that city. To seek its welfare.
And as followers of Jesus, the same is true for us. We are to seek the flourishing of the places God has put us, our families and churches, classrooms and neighborhoods. We’re to make these places as good as we can.
Throughout their history, the Israelites turned from God and worshipped other idols. In his mercy, God gave them many chances to turn back.
God sent Jeremiah, his last try, to call out for change one more time before he brought bad things upon His people. Jeremiah loved the people, and so he cried out to them, begging them to clean themselves up and return to God’s ways. But they still wouldn’t. They broke Jeremiah’s heart. Jeremiah said he wished his head was a well full of water, and his eyes fountains of tears so he could cry night and day for God’s people.
The Babylonians destroyed the temple of God and carried the Israelites off into exile. But even in their devastation, God had not abandoned them. Seventy years later, he would return for His people and bring them back from exile. But while there, in Babylon, they were to seek the flourishing of that city. To seek its welfare.
And as followers of Jesus, the same is true for us. We are to seek the flourishing of the places God has put us, our families and churches, classrooms and neighborhoods. We’re to make these places as good as we can.
Family Thoughts
The exile was devastating for the people of Israel, but it wasn’t the end. Even the destruction of the temple was a foreshadowing of when God would allow his own Son Jesus to be the temple, that was destroyed and rebuilt in three days.
But this time, God would raise up this destroyed temple, not in three generations, but in three days. And in doing so, He would provide true salvation for all people. And one day, the tears Jeremiah cried would be no more, because this Savior would “wipe every tear from their eyes.”
But this time, God would raise up this destroyed temple, not in three generations, but in three days. And in doing so, He would provide true salvation for all people. And one day, the tears Jeremiah cried would be no more, because this Savior would “wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Family Connect
God loved His people, but He still had to punish them for disobedience. What punishments have your parents given you even though they love you?
Pause to pray
As a family, thank God for loving us so much and ask for help to always keep Him in our hearts.
No Comments