How can we be Stewards of our Communities?
Here I share information related to Jeremiah 29 on caring for our community.
Define Stewards – Tending to something
Define community-
- A group of people living together in one place, especially one practicing common ownership.
- a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Context of Jeremiah 29
Jeremiah sends this letter to exiles in Babylon sometime following the deportation from Jerusalem in 597 B.C.E.
Jeremiah 25:8-11
8 Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: “Because you have not listened to my words, 9 I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
Jeremiah 25:8-11
Jeremiah 26: – Leaders attempt to kill Jeremiah
Jeremiah 27 – Jeremiah puts on a yoke to represent the coming judgment
Jeremiah 28 – Conflict between Hananiah and Jeremiah
-Counter to False prophets suggesting rebellion and early return.
Jeremiah 29
-The remaining leadership was taken into exile.
-Jeremiah 29:11 is a famous verse
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:7
They were not slaves or prisoners
7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Literal Translation:
And seek the peace of the city I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace of the city you shall have peace.
Hebrew word for Peace = Shalom
shaw-lome’
Parts of Speech
Noun Masculine
Shalowm Definition
NAS Word Usage – Total: 239
- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
- completeness (in number)
- safety, soundness (in body)
- welfare, health, prosperity
- peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment
- peace, friendship
- of human relationships
- with God especially in covenant relationship
- peace (from war)
- peace (as adjective)
27 times in the Psalms
Used 25 times each in the book of Isiah and Jeremiah.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/nas/shalowm.html
The 3 “P’s” of being Stewards of our community
Politicians
Professionals
The Poor
When we give our pledge we are pledging to seek the Shalom of our community.
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