Hello!

I’m sure you’ve been very aware of the global refugee crisis caused largely by the conflict in Syria. Working through Jeremiah, I have been struck by how Jeremiah provides language to help give voice to this scandal. Jeremiah is hardly a light read…but justifiably so. We need strong words to help us grapple with this stuff.

This Sunday we’ll be looking at persecution. Jeremiah endured persecution for the prophesies he brought to Judah. The people of Judah would suffer persecution at the hands of Babylon. And today, the refugee crisis witnesses to the fact that persecution is just as rife today. Not just Christians either. These are people from all walks of life, all religions, all cultures and ethnicities.

Viewed here is a hand-drawn map of a refugee’s planned journey from Turkey to Germany. Look at all the different steps! The stick-figures denote the “walking” stages. It is nearly impossible to imagine how tens of thousands of people (elderly, women, and children no less!) are making journeys like this…all because of persecution.

We will be praying in general for persecution during communion this Sunday. But please keep the persecuted (abroad and at home) in your prayers this week.

Blessings,

Jordan