Culture Wars: Political Engagement
Jeremiah 29 reminds believers that political
displacement, cultural hostility, and national instability are not new
challenges. God’s people have always lived between kingdoms. This passage
teaches that faithful political engagement is neither withdrawal nor worship of
the state, but hopeful obedience under God’s sovereign rule. Christians are
called to be present, prayerful, and purposeful — trusting God’s long-term
plans while seeking the good of the world around them.
Jeremiah 29 was written to God’s people
living in exile, under a government control they didn’t choose, facing a future
they didn’t like — but still called to live faithfully.
Jeremiah 29:1-11
These are the words of the letter that
Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles,
and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had
taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 This was after King Jeconiah and
the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the
craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem. 3 The letter was
sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah,
whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
It said: 4 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles
whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live
in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and
daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that
they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 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. 8 For thus
says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your
diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that
they dream, 9 for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I
did not send them, declares the Lord. 10 “For thus says the Lord: When seventy
years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my
promise and bring you back to this place. 11 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.
The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Jeremiah
29:1-11
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you in this text?
- Do you tend to be more engaged in politics or avoid it all together? Why?
- How does God’s instruction to seek the good of Babylon in this passage challenge our natural instincts?
- What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty over nations and governments?
- What are warning signs that politics is becoming an idol in our lives?
Closing Thoughts
Living as faithful exiles requires community,
humility, and prayer. Political engagement can easily divide believers, but God
calls His people to unity rooted in truth and love. When the church is divided,
the culture around us will look the same.
The best way for us to engage politically and
culturally is to share the gospel with our words and our lives. Then, we must
speak and stand where God has clearly spoken. This is how we seek the welfare
of our communities.
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