This letter, coming from the prophet Jeremiah to all the Jewish Exiles in  captivity in Babylon, is quite unique. It’s easy to to dismiss Jeremiah as a prophet 0f devastating judgements on the rebellious people of Israel, overlooking his primary commission to all the nations, not simply to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, but to BUILD and to PLANT [Jer.1 v. 10]. It’s impossible to build properly without adequate demolition and excavation of the proposed building site. Planting cannot be achieved without radical tilling of the soil and uprooting of obstructive weeds. It is because of this that Jeremiah’s tender letter to Nebuchadnezzar’s captives would seem to some, almost out of character.

We need to see in this letter salient advice for all of us dwelling in Babylon, yet whose aspiration is for the New Jerusalem. Indeed,it’s helpful to put this as a template over the troubling drama that unfolds in the Book of Revelation, possibly the most misunderstood piece of Apocalyptic Literature in the whole Bible! For all of us dwelling in Babylon, Jeremiah continues his Building and Planting theme:

“Build houses and settle down;plant gardens and eat what they produce.”[Jer. 29 v. 6]

We are to raise our families in this settled domestic environment, but much more than this:

“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.”[ Jer. 29 v. 7 ]

How many Christians primary prayer has been “Lord, get me out of here quickly!”

If we see the historic roots of Babylon in the troubled countries of the Middle East, how should this be affecting our pro-active engagement and our prayer life?

I am writing this in the heart of the City of London. If the Apostle John were imprisoned on the Isle of Sheppy, he would no doubt think that this is more Babylon than the original Babylon! No doubt we would wish that our exile was only a mere seventy years before God fulfills his gracious promise of his kingdom coming and his will will being done on earth as it is in heaven. What we can be sure of is that Jeremiahs all- encompassing promise is as much for us today as it was for them.

“For I know the plans I have for you”,declares the Lord,plans to prosper you and not to harm you,plans to give you a hope and a future.” [Jer. 29 v. 11]