It is tempting to look at recent events across the world today and believe that somehow we are in a unique situation as Christians. We may even feel like we are exiles living in a foreign land because of so many changes and uncertainties from one day to the next.
When we think of “exiles” we often are reminded of the Israelites who were exiled many times in biblical history. Or, we may think of thousands of Christians in Sudan who are being exiled for their faith along with Christians in Syria, Egypt, and many other places around the globe right now. Open Doors confirms what we have known, Christian persecution is on the rise, whether here at home or in a foreign land. World Watch List reports that in 2021 over 340 million Christians are being persecuted.
And, while our forefathers may have been exiled for their faith in Great Britain at the founding of our nation, in the U.S. today we do not usually think of ourselves as having been “exiled” from one land to another. Yet in a sense, until we are with the Lord in our heavenly home we are all exiles in some foreign land. The Scripture reminds us to be thankful when we are being challenged for our faith. The question is, are we retreating to a safe zone or are we being exiled for God?
Scripture says: “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.” Jeremiah 29:7
For the Christian, no matter what earthly home God places us in, we are exiled from our heavenly home into a place for a reason - to share the Hope found only in Jesus Christ! Our earthly home may not be conducive to sharing our faith, much like Christians find themselves in a hostile environment as in Nigeria today. We do not choose the time or the place God wants to use us. And, in a sense as Christians, we are all in bondage to God’s purpose regardless of what earthly home He places us in. It may mean facing great hardship to be exiled for God.
And, now as Christian persecution rises worldwide with an estimated 200,000 dying each year for their faith, we may be tempted to think – oh, we are safe in the U.S., this persecution will not come near us! But for those who are exiled into any form of treachery, the tribulation has already come. We also may be tempted to think, we will just let biblical prophecy play itself out, it does not matter if I take a stand because it will happen anyway. These two perspectives are not rooted in Scripture where we need to be praying for the peace and prosperity of our world, nation, state or city rather living in denial or fatalism, neither of which is biblical. It may mean coming out of denial and facing treachery or death itself to be exiled for God.
When much is given, much is required. We may even feel inadequate to the task, but our human limitations are not what God asks. He asks us to seek the peace and prosperity of the city He has placed us in, and realize He has carried us into exile within that place for His purposes - to pray, care and share Christ to the maximum until He returns. It may mean realigning our priorities to be exiled for God.
Will you PRAY over for the whole of Christ’s Church and your city standing on the words of Scripture: “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.” Jeremiah 29:7
Will you CARE for those God has placed in your path as you are being exiled for God in your city? Stand with Christian leaders in your community who understand the threat and risk posed to the Christian community right now while urgently preparing to be a ReadyCity.
Will you SHARE with other Christians how they can stand with other righteous leaders for such a time as this! "Be ready to give an answer in word and deed for the Hope of Christ within you." I Peter 3:17
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