Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon). – Matthew 1:11 NLT
So why did I pick this verse to highlight today? Well, as a reminder.
A very well-known verse is Jeremiah 29:11, but people don’t usually remember that this is a verse for a people in exile in Babylon–known as the Babylonian Captivity or Babylonian Exile.
In that, the Lord also tells them, “Hey, while you’re in exile, live a good life.” A lesson we really should take to heart. He told them that as they prosper, so will the nation, so get married and have children even though you’re in exile in Babylon. Check it out:
“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
Jeremiah 29:5-7 NLT
So, I’m encouraged and convicted when I read that. It’s so easy to complain about our leaders. Yes, they can do better. It’s easy to bash whatever country you live in, but is it right? Yes, we can hope it will uphold to a higher standard, but we as believers shouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t. We’re still to live at a higher standard no matter what. God commanded the people to pray for the welfare of the nation because it would determine theirs. He told them to work for peace and prosperity not to throw in the towel.
Now, again, why am I highlighting Matthew 1:11? This verse reminds us that someone did what Jeremiah 29:5 said. It says those guys in verse 11 were born during the exile. It looks like someone took God at His Word and now unknowingly found themselves listed in the ancestors of Jesus.