Open and Explore the Word

Open the Word

Jeremiah 29 constitutes a letter sent to the exiles in Babylon and describes very vividly the circumstances in which they were living. There is an edited version of this . Use it to provide an all important context for Jeremiah 31.31-34.

Ask people to imagine that they are refugees yearning to go home. Make a list of all the things they take for granted at home that they would miss. People can do this alone or in groups, as appropriate.

Remind people that the refugees were afraid to worship because the Law of Deuteronomy said they could only worship in Jerusalem. Ask people to make a list of the important aspects of worship and how it impacts on our lives.

Invite someone to read the version of Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles telling them that they will stay there for seventy years and you will enter into all aspects of the foreign life, both working and praying for the good of that nation. Remember God is sovereign of the whole world.

Then read the passage: Jeremiah 31.31-34. Invite people to write or share response as a refugee to it. Is it delight, a relief? What will be the consequences?