“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. . . . 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.” (Jeremiah 29:4–5, 7)
At lunch today, I heard business leaders rally for the city we love. We are building a Memphis that is Greater. Greater for all.
Yesterday afternoon, a man was stabbed to death less than a mile from where this Chamber of Commerce luncheon was held, in a section of the city, The Edge, that has seen significant improvement in the past 7 years.
C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity ““If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” In response to this quote and the verse form Jeremiah, I can only hope and pray that this current state is exile. We hold onto the promises of the New Jerusalem while trying to flourish while here. We dream of Eden but live cast out.
Tonight, Lord, be with those who mourn Phil Godwin’s senseless death and Antwon Freeman’s senseless act. We can’t understand why bad things like this happen. We are reminded Lord, that in this fallen world, we are never truly safe. We pray for protection for our loved ones and for ourselves. We pray for the day when we encourage our neighbor instead of fear them. Lord, bring this day closer.
We lift up the leadership of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Bless Ted Townsend and his team in creating opportunities for all businesses seeking to operate here. We pray for discernment and wisdom in how to recruit and sustain local employers. We pray for their ability to generate wealth for the benefit of the community while doing so ethically and responsibly. We pray for those businesses working each day to do a good job honestly. Bless their work.
Lord, we pray for this city, our city, where too many tears are shed and hope is distant. Come close, Father, and bring new life, that Your children may bear fruit while preparing for the New Jerusalem. Amen.