Jeremiah, 29
11. For I know the thoughts that I think over you, says the Lord: thoughts of peace and not of affliction, so that I may give you patience and an end.
11. For I know the thoughts that I think over you, says the Lord: thoughts of peace and not of affliction, so that I may give you patience and an end.
Jeremiah 29 contains a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon, in which he instructs the people to seek the peace and prosperity of the city in which they were led, even if it means living there for many years. He also warns the exiles against the false prophets who promise them an immediate return to Jerusalem. The verses related to the topics addressed in Jeremiah 29 are:
Ezekiel 11:16: "Therefore, say, Thus saith the Lord God, though he has thrown them away among the nations, and although he has spread them through the land, but I will serve as a shrine for a little time in the countries where they were . " This verse demonstrates that God continues to take care of his people, even when they are scattered around the world.
1 Timothy 2:1-2: "First of all, therefore, I urge to use supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgiving, in favor of all men, in favor of kings and all those who are Invested with authority, so that we live quiet and soft life, with all pity and respect. " Jeremiah instructed the exiles to pray for the peace of the city in which they lived, and this verse reinforces this idea.
Matthew 5:44: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." God's people in Babylon was probably threatened and persecuted, but Jeremiah instructed them to seek the peace and prosperity of the city. This verse shows that loving and praying for enemies is a Christian attitude.
1 Peter 2:17: "Honor to all. Love the brothers. I feared God. Honor the king." This verse urges Christians to honor those who are in authority, even if they are not perfect. The exiles in Babylon were instructed to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, and this included honoring the Babylonian authorities.
1 Corinthians 7:20-24: "Each one is in the vocation in which he was called. You were called being a slave? Do not be careful; but even if you can become free, you prefer to use the condition of slave well. which was called in the Lord, being a slave, is freed from the Lord; and in the same way what was called being free, it is a slave of Christ. You were bought by price; you do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each one is before God in the condition it was called. " Jeremiah instructed the exiles to settle in Babylon and seek the peace and prosperity of the city. This verse teaches that we must remain where God has placed us and seek to honor Him in our present condition.
“Esforce-se, mesmo se for um pouco, mas sempre…” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
