Monday Night Blog for 3.18.2013

 

Last night we introduced a passage in the Old Testament, Jeremiah 29. Tonight, I would like to build on those teachings. This blog is a joy for me to share, as I find ways to help redeem these times, these opportunities, as well as all the obstacles we find in these modern times. There is no question that our LORD wants us to prosper, but many find ways to misquote the Bible to make prosperity a right for all Christians. Some even call this the “Prosperity Gospel” and make it for all who become Christians. Some teach us to “name and claim” promises from GOD, almost expecting GOD to do what we wish, if we command HIM to! Just a few cautionary thoughts for us tonight!

 

Our specific passage tonight, Jeremiah 29:1-11, is a great example. We can plumb the depths of those verses for hope and for a plan. What to do while we are waiting for the last days, for Christ to return? We could wait, and do nothing, praying for our LORD to return and destroy the world, which would usher in eternity. Many waited in Paul’s time, and many today would be satisfied to wait.

 

I have a suggestion, from Jeremiah 29. Plant a garden. Pray for the prosperity of our country. Build houses and families. We can all dive deep into becoming salty Christian. We can all dive deeper into the world we live in and become the light of the world.  Rather than demanding that the creator of the universe magically and personally make our days better, pray for wisdom from HIM that we find ways to “redeem the time” and bless all those around us.

 

Let’s take this to an even greater level. I love people who plant gardens for others to harvest. I love tree planters, who don’t just plant trees for today or for themselves. My hero’s are those who plant to produce fruit for a harvest that isn’t for them, or even for their children, but for two or three generations in the future. I dislike those who demand that every action, all energy and every thought of life should be for their own personal comfort and needs. Plant something for someone that you can’t harvest.

 

A word of warning for those who wish to stay on the sidelines and stay disengaged during these trying times. The nation of Israel had GOD’s reminder that they were to be “light to the gentiles,” as we can read in Isaiah 42:6 or 49:6. If we as a nation or as believers cease to be that LIGHT, Jesus can’t stay with us or bless us or use us. Our self-imposed “captivity” becomes permanent.

 

What have you planted lately, for someone else?