In Exile: Trust God

Almost six hundred years before the time of Jesus, his people, the Israelites, were in crisis. Their capital, Jerusalem, and the surrounding region, Judea, were destroyed and occupied by the invading force of Babylon. Many had been injured, killed, or made homeless, and the rest forced into exile from their homeland. Could the people of God survive?

Into this crisis a prophet named Jeremiah spoke-up on behalf of God. Jeremiah wrote a letter of encouragement to the exiles and backed it up with a bold action and symbol. Jeremiah bought a parcel of land in the homeland, promising that someday God’s people would return and prosper once again.

It seems to me that the church in America is also in a sort of exile. Many have left the churches that too often have done more harm than good. Many think of the church as irrelevant, hypocritical, and judgmental. While I do not believe these criticisms reflect the essence of Friedens Church, we are nonetheless perceived in this light and suffer the negative impact of this cultural decline.

Let us not lose heart! The Church of Jesus Christ is greater than any crisis we face and will ultimately prevail. The key for us at Friedens is to stay focused on fulfilling the mission Jesus has given us—sharing his love with a special focus on serving children and youth in our community.

Through the ancient prophet Jeremiah, I offer you some encouragement. In Jeremiah 30:11 we read: For I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you. There is no Divine promise more helpful and steadying than God’s promise to always be with us. We are never alone, even when it feels like we are in a sort of exile. Not only is God with us, but the history of our ancestors in faith demonstrates time and again the power of God to make a way when there is no way. From the parting of the Red Sea to Jesus’ empty tomb, God is a liberator that neither evil nor death can ultimately overcome.

Do not lose heart! Renew your commitment to worship the One who delivers and to serve the One who restores! We may be down, but we are not out. Trust God’s abiding and saving presence and embrace the hope of deliverance.



Yours in Christ,

Marc