Around 586 BC, the people of Israel faced a devastating reality. Their vibrant capital and cherished temple were destroyed, and they were sent into exile in Babylon. It felt like the end, yet amidst their despair, a powerful message arrived from God.
Imagine being told to pray for the city where you were held captive! That's exactly what God commanded in Jeremiah 29:
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare… For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:7, 10-11.
This wasn't just about survival; it was about thriving, even in a hostile environment. It taught them that God's plan extended beyond their comfort, encompassing even their "unbelieving enemies." Many found this hard to accept - surely we should only care for our own? But our God is the Lord of all, and His perspective is always bigger.
Fast forward to June 11 2025, when a group from our College, along with over 1700 others, attended a prayer conference at the International Convention Centre (ICC). It was inspiring to see so many people come together to pray for our country and its vital institutions - from the government and media to schools and even families like ours.
Just as the Israelites were called to pray for their city, we too, as Christians, are called to pray for our world today. We're reminded that we're exiles in this world, much like the Israelites in Babylon, waiting for the ultimate promises of God to be fulfilled. In the meantime, we're tasked with a powerful mission: to love and care for the city, even when it may not always love us back.
So, as parents guiding your kids through today's challenges, I encourage you to pray for our vital institutions— our government, our families, our schools, and our communities. We know human efforts aren't enough; we truly need God to act.