There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: “Mine!”

Abraham Kuyper

The biblical idea of restoration encompasses both the eventual and boundless renewal of creation in the future, and the ongoing restoration happening in the present through God’s people. The question arises: How can we actively contribute to this restoration in partnership with God?

Jeremiah 29:1-14 provides some insights to consider. In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter likens Christ-followers to exiles in a foreign world. If Christians are exiles, as the Jewish people were, the following are 7 lessons we can draw from Jeremiah that would be applicable to us today.

1. Active Participation in the Present: Just as the exiled Jews were instructed to build houses, plant gardens, marry, and seek the welfare of the city where they were in exile, believers are called to actively participate in the present world. This involves contributing positively to society, engaging in meaningful relationships, and working towards the well-being of the community. Sometimes, the well-being requires uncomfortable confrontations and standing courageously for what is true and right.

2. Resisting Deception: The exiles were warned against listening to false prophets who might lead them astray. Similarly, Christ-follower are cautioned to discern truth from deception, especially in a world that may present conflicting ideologies and values. Knowing, and seeking guidance from, God’s word is crucial to avoiding spiritual and practical deception. Only the truth brings about human flourishing, whether others around you believe in the source of truth or not.

3. Trusting in God’s Plans: Despite the challenging circumstances of exile, God assured the Israelites of His plans for them, plans for prosperity, hope, and a future. Likewise, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s overarching plans, even when faced with adversity. This trust involves seeking God through prayer and relying on His promises. Clearly, you have know about His promises in order to rely on them. Seek God’s truths through deep connections with your local church, and through regular reading and studying of the Bible.

4. Calling on God in Prayer: The passage emphasizes the importance of prayer. Believers, like the exiles, are encouraged to call on God, pray to Him, and seek Him wholeheartedly. The promise is that God will listen, be found, and respond to their prayers. Prayer is about trusting in God, but is also a source of discernment and avoiding deception. In Joshua 9:3-14, we read how Joshua and the leadership of Israel were deceived by the nation of Gibeon. Verse 14 warns us, “The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.” Go to God in prayer, and you’ll be harder to deceive.

5. Hope for Restoration: God’s promise to the exiles included a time of restoration after seventy years. Similarly, believers are reminded that God’s plans involve ultimate restoration and redemption. Whatever your Biblical eschatology, this should provide Christ-followers with hope and assurance in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

6. Global Perspective: The exiles were scattered among different nations, yet God promised to gather them back. This reflects a global perspective in God’s plan. Similarly, Christ-follower are part of a diverse global community, and understanding God’s broader plan involves recognizing the interconnectedness of His people worldwide. Beware of seeing Christianity through the distorting lense of your own culture and traditions.

7. Actively Engaged Approach to Faith: The call to seek the peace and prosperity of the city underscores a engaged approach to faith. Believers are not isolated from the world but are called to positively impact their surroundings, promoting well-being and peace (based on objective truth).

Just because the world labels an issue “political” does not give Christ-followers permission to retreat or disengage. We are to lead by example, practice courage in the face of unpopular issues, and speak truth in order to make a positive difference. This will reflect God’s nature in a practical way to those around us and when done in love, will draw others to Christ.

The passage teaches us to actively engage in the present, discern truth, trust in God’s plans, prioritize prayer, hold onto hope for restoration, view their faith globally, and adopt a holistic approach to living out their faith in the world.

As we reflect on the profound insights gleaned from Jeremiah 29:1-14, I find a roadmap Christ-followers to meaningfully engage in our present world. Embracing the call to active participation, discernment, trust, prayer, hope, a global perspective, and an actively engaged approach to our faith, we find ourselves not merely spectators but active agents in God’s ongoing restoration story.

Just as the exiled Jews navigated their journey with purpose, so too can we navigate the complexities of our world, contributing to the restoration God is effecting both now and in the infinite future. May these timeless lessons inspire you to be catalysts for positive change, recognizing our role in God’s transformative narrative. Our actions today echo through eternity, reflecting God’s nature and hopefully pointing people back to the only source of salvation–Christ death on the cross and His resurrection.

“9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. 10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. 11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.”

Proverbs 11:9-11

Let us rise to the challenge in whatever field we are each called to, embracing the divine partnership that beckons us to be agents of restoration in every sphere of our lives for the sake of the gospel.