Prepare (This section is preparation for the leader, not content meant for the group.)

In this passage, we find the Israelites deep in the Babylonian Exile. The Assyrians had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. The southern kingdom, Judah, held out a little longer. However, the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, came along and conquered the Assyrian territory and the remaining Israelite lands. This was a huge blow to the Israelites. The temple was destroyed, the walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the people were forced to leave the promised land.

As the years dragged on in exile, the generation that remembered Jerusalem was getting older. The people had been waiting for deliverance a long time. They were hoping for a leader like Moses to come and lead them back to the promised land. They were waiting for God to punish the Babylonian king like Pharaoh with the 10 plagues. But it still hadn’t happened. Those who remembered Jerusalem were fading. The community was wondering if God was still with them, or even strong enough to save them.

These words from Jeremiah were reassurance that God was watching over them right where they were, even in exile. God wanted them to thrive right where they were – building homes, starting families, growing gardens. This did not mean they should stop longing for or expecting liberation, which would one day come. But thriving in exile was itself an act of resistance and faith; preparation for the liberation for which they longed.

Opening Exercise

Think of a time when you were impatient for something to happen. Has it happened? How long did it take?

Text Read Aloud

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

Thriving in Exile

The people of Israel were tired of living in Babylon. They had been forced to leave the promised land behind when King Nebuchadnezzar swept through with his army. Babylon was a wealthy kingdom, but the Israelites lived on the margins: powerless, poor, and heavily taxed. They wanted to go home.

Jeremiah was a prophet, a messenger sent to take God’s words to God’s people. When they received his letter, they probably hoped for news like Moses once gave their enslaved ancestors in Egypt—news like, “Liberation is at hand! Keep your shoes on, don’t bother baking raised bread, be ready to go!”

But what does Jeremiah tell them? Build houses—and make them homes. Plant seeds and watch them grow. Create families and new generations. Even pray for the city where they live!

This message of putting roots down in Babylon probably felt jarring, like a betrayal of the God who brought them to the promised land, or a concession to the oppressor who had taken it away. Yet God isn’t telling them to give in or become Babylonians. God wants them to thrive as Israelites, investing in their community so that when liberation comes, they will be ready to take their place as God’s beloved people.

Thriving in exile is an act of faith, and that same faith shows up today in communities still fighting to belong. Here in the U.S., October 11th is National Coming Out Day. In Atlanta, where I live, this is also Pride weekend. There will be parades, festivals, and marches celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. As an ally, I feel lucky that the parade passes right by our church’s front doors. We get to support our queer members and neighbors as they celebrate who they are.

However, this year feels different. Local organizations remain enthusiastic, but we expect fewer floats with corporate sponsors amid increasing political pressure. While some leaders stay supportive, others are pushing for laws that would harm our queer neighbors, especially those in the trans community. Even as the trans community grows in strength and visibility, so too does the backlash.

I don’t know what it feels like to come out, but after listening to the stories of queer friends, authors, and speakers, I know it takes courage, even in a supportive environment. And it’s only the beginning of learning how to embody your truest self in public. Finding safety, community, and family can be a lifelong journey.

Hopefully this backlash will be short-lived, and our society will continue toward full rights for all people. Still, this kind of ‘exile’ can feel endless to our neighbors experiencing oppression, much like the Israelites in Babylon. The good news, as Jeremiah reminds us, is that God’s faithfulness doesn’t dependent on the whims of empire. God has not forgotten God’s promises, and the future is in God’s hands.

This doesn’t mean we stop longing or working for liberation. Thriving itself is an act of resistance. Even when the promise of a world where all people are equally valued, supported, and celebrated feels far away, build community wherever you can. Create a home and fill it with family, biological or chosen. Invest in your education or training in the field of your dreams. Plant seeds and watch them grow. Live into God’s vision for your life, regardless of what the society says you deserve.

And, if you’re an ally like me, keep learning about the issues your queer family members, friends, and neighbors face. Ask them how you can help make God’s promises real, so that together we’re ready to take our places as God’s beloved people.

Reflection Questions

• In the Jeremiah passage, what are the ways God tells the Israelites to invest in their future in Babylon?
• Why would Jeremiah’s words be difficult for the Israelites to hear?
• This reflection focused on Queer communities in the US. What other groups do you know of today who are experiencing oppression? What barriers do they face to living the full lives God intends for them?
• The last, and perhaps most difficult, instruction God gives the Israelites is to pray for their oppressors. As our society feels increasingly divided by political issues, how does it feel to pray for the ‘other side’? Why do you think God wants us to?

Closing Activity

Jeremiah’s letter wasn’t exactly what the Israelites wanted to hear, but it gave them a vision of a brighter future despite their current situation. Sometimes, that vision can give us the peace and hope we need to keep going.

• Sit comfortably. Then close your eyes, or keep them open, whatever is comfortable for you. Next, take three deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you inhale, silently recite the words ‘come Holy Spirit’.
•  Return your breathing to a normal rhythm. Imagine a thriving future for yourself as the person God created you to be:
  • Where do you live- in a city, town, rural area?
  • Who’s in your family? Your community?
  • What does your daily life look like?
  • What are your goals?

Final Prayer

Gracious God, you see us both as we are and as you intend us to live. Thank you for the hope of a future where all people can fully live as you created us to live. Give us the courage to thrive where we are and the vision to make your promises come true for all in our community. Amen.

We know that hunger is about more than food. Understanding hunger – and working to end it – means seeing the many ways hunger and poverty intersect with so many other issues, including climate change, food production, access to housing, racial justice, gender justice and more. In “Hunger at the Crossroads,” a webinar series hosted by ELCA World Hunger, we will explore these intersections and the ways we can be part of God’s promise of a just world where all are fed.

New webinar sessions will be posted below. Participants do need to register beforehand, so check back and register to attend!

Who

The webinars are open to anyone passionate about ending hunger and eager to learn more. In each session, we will dive deeply into the topic, with presentations from ELCA World Hunger staff and partners and time for questions and conversation.

Upcoming Webinars

“Conflict and Hunger” – November 3, 2022, at 1:00pm Central time

Violent conflict is one of the most significant drivers of hunger around the world. From wars between nations to ethnic and tribal violence, conflicts affect farms, markets, jobs, housing, trade and more. In this webinar, we will hear from ELCA staff from around the world, who will help us dive more deeply into the tragic and significant ways violent conflict impacts hunger.

“Health and Hunger” – December 1, 2022, at 6:00pm Central time

Hunger and health are related in complex ways. Hunger and under-nourishment can both contribute to long-term health problems, while health challenges can increase the risk of hunger through lost wages and expensive medical bills. In this webinar, we will be joined by experts from both the United States and overseas to learn more. We will also hear from leaders working to improve health in their communities and learn some effective steps that can be taken toward a just world where all are fed – and where all are healthy.

Register

Registration for both “Conflict and Hunger” and “Health and Hunger” is now open through one form! Visit https://forms.office.com/r/N1XnPD3r9D to register. You can register for one or both of the upcoming webinars through this form.  Follow ELCA World Hunger on Facebook and Twitter to get up-to-date information, including dates and links for registration for future webinars. Questions about “Hunger at the Crossroads” can be sent to hunger@elca.org.

Previous Webinars

“Sexuality, Gender Identity and Hunger” with Rev. Heidi Neumark (Trinity Lutheran Church, New York, New York) and Rev. Joe Larson (Fargo, North Dakota) – August 12, 2021

“Climate Change and Hunger” with Ryan Cumming and Brooke De Jong (ELCA World Hunger) – October 27th, 2021

“Hunger and Poverty by the Numbers: Where Are We at Now?” with Ryan Cumming (ELCA World Hunger) – December 9, 2021

“Housing and Hunger” with Brooke De Jong (ELCA World Hunger) and featuring a NEW! resource on housing – June 29, 2022

Watch the recordings of previous “Hunger at the Crossroads” webinars here: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8758461.

We hope to see you “at the Crossroads”!

CHICAGO (ELCA) — La reverenda Elizabeth A. Eaton, obispa presidente de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América (ELCA), emitió una carta en respuesta a la masacre del 12 de junio que cobró las vidas de 49 personas en un centro nocturno de Orlando, Florida. Este es el tiroteo masivo más sangriento en la historia de Estados Unidos. En la carta Eaton declara: “Debemos buscar la paz y reconciliación a la cacofonía del odio y la división. Debemos vivir la verdad de que todas las personas son creadas a imagen de Dios”.

La carta de Eaton continúa:

Estimados hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:

“Y Dios creó al ser humano a su imagen; lo creó a imagen de Dios. Hombre y mujer los creó”. Génesis 1:27

Nos estamos matando a nosotros mismos. Creemos que todas las personas son creadas a imagen de Dios. Toda la humanidad se asemeja a una familia. Las personas asesinadas en Orlando no eran “otros” abstractos, ellas son nosotros. Pero de alguna forma, en la mente de un atacante seriamente perturbado, la comunidad LGBTQ estaba separada de nuestra humanidad común. Esta separación provocó que 49 de nosotros fuéramos asesinados y 54 de nosotros fuéramos heridos.

Vivimos en una sociedad cada vez más dividida y polarizada. Muy a menudo nos separamos en grupos con ideas afines y dejamos fuera a los demás. Esta división no está muy alejada de la demonización. Ayer, fuimos testigos de las consecuencias trágicas que esto conlleva.

Existe otra forma. En Cristo, Dios se ha reconciliado con el mundo. Jesús vivió entre nosotros compartiendo nuestra humanidad. Murió por nosotros para restaurar nuestra humanidad. Dios nos invita a esta obra reconciliadora. Este debe ser nuestro testimonio como Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América. El perpetrador de este crimen de odio no salió de la nada. Fue moldeado por nuestra cultura de división, que a su vez ha sido deformada por la manipulación de nuestros miedos. Eso no es lo que somos. San Pablo escribió: “Por lo tanto, si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. ¡Lo viejo ha pasado, ha llegado ya lo nuevo!  Todo esto proviene de Dios, quien por medio de Cristo nos reconcilió consigo mismo y nos dio el ministerio de la reconciliación: esto es, que en Cristo, Dios estaba reconciliando al mundo consigo mismo, no tomándole en cuenta sus pecados y encargándonos a nosotros el mensaje de la reconciliación. Así que somos embajadores de Cristo, como si Dios los exhortara a ustedes por medio de nosotros: ‘En nombre de Cristo les rogamos que se reconcilien con Dios’”. (2 Corintios 5:17-20).

Nuestra labor empieza ahora. Necesitamos autoanalizarnos, individualmente y como iglesia, para reconocer las maneras en que hemos dividido y en las que hemos sido divididos. Debemos apoyar a quienes que han sido relegados al papel de “los otros”. Debemos buscar la paz y la reconciliación a la cacofonía del odio y la división. Debemos vivir la verdad de que todas las personas son creadas a imagen de Dios.

Esta mañana el personal de las oficinas nacionales de la ELCA se unió en duelo y oración. Oramos por todas aquellas personas que murieron en la masacre de Orlando y recordamos a las nueve víctimas de Charleston que murieron hace apenas un año. Oramos por la familia del atacante, por nuestros hermanos y hermanas de la comunidad LGBTQ y por nuestros hermanos y hermanas musulmanes que ahora se enfrentan al temor de represalias. Oramos por que el Príncipe de Paz nos permita ver el día en que dejemos de matarnos entre nosotros.

Su hermana en Cristo,

Elizabeth A. Eaton

Obispa presidente

Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América

Sobre la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América:

La ELCA es una de las mayores denominaciones cristianas en Estados Unidos con más de 3.7 millones de miembros en casi 9,300 congregaciones en los 50 estados y la región del Caribe. Conocida como la iglesia de “La obra de Dios. Nuestras manos”, la ELCA enfatiza la gracia salvadora de Dios por medio de la fe en Jesucristo, la unidad entre los cristianos y el servicio en el mundo. Las raíces de la ELCA se hallan en los escritos del reformista alemán Martín Lutero.