DEVOTION ~ THE PILGRIM'S CHARGE

Theme: The Pilgrim's Charge

Text: Jeremiah 29:4-7

4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

It's great we delve into another wonderful text today. The text for consideration is God's Word to His people on how to live the exile life for the better. As believers, we can also say we are on exile here on earth since home is with the Father. The second chapter of first Peter reminds us of our pilgrimage on this earth: 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).

As a pilgrim on earth, you ought to make sure, you end your journey well and when returning home to the Father, you will not go empty handed but will present souls to the glory of the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). The appropriate way to do this is what the Lord asked His children to do in exile.

Don't be lazy on earth. Avoid over depending on others. Build yourself up through education, trade, hobby, invest in the right businesses, enlarge your ministry, disciple others, and do the needful to build the Kingdom. Don't allow your friends and neighbors to remain in darkness. Reach out to them all and be the light they need to see shine on their path. Though you're to seek heavenly treasures, you also need to meet some basic necessities like shelter, food and clothing. An idle hand can't meet all these, so you must work hard in order to fend for yourself (Proverbs 6:10-11).

It's good to make families but do well not to yoke yourself with darkness. Even if you or children happen to marry unbelievers, invite the Holy Spirit to work in them so they can be transformed. 1 Corinthians 7 should serve as a guide in matters relating to marriage. Ask God to heal every broken marriage and even sustain those that seem rosy so the family can increase and not diminished. 

Another thing to note is seeking the wellbeing of the land you dwell in. If you're unconcerned about things happening around you, you'll perish. Pray for the land, protect it, serve well and always leave a positive mark wherever you are and in whatsoever you do. If the land prospers, you will also prosper the reverse is true to happen if things aren't going well. Make time for communal labor, community development and national matters. If evil surrounds you, it will consume you, as you may not be lucky like Noah or Lots and his family that got saved when the earth was in chaos. Remember, it's in the peace of the land you will also have peace so pray for it. 

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the knowledge of Your Word. I pray You forgive me for the way I've carried the affairs of the land of my birth. Give me the courage to do the right thing in the land and seek its progress even now and forevermore in Jesus' name have I asked. AMEN!