2 & 3 Aug 2025 (Pastoral Page) SEEKING THE WELFARE OF THE NATION

by Snr Ps Beh Soo Yeong

As we head into the final week before our SG60 National Day, we thank God for how He has sustained and prospered Singapore in so many ways. We celebrate His goodness and His grace. At the same time, what does this mean for us as disciples of Jesus living in our city-state? What responsibilities and calling does God place on us as kingdom people in this earthly land?

Jeremiah 29.7 gives us these words of God: “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” (ESV). The passage context is that the nation of Israel has been exiled to the foreign land of Babylon because of their rebellion, and they were pining to return to the promised land. Instead of sulking and undermining the foreign authority, the exiles were told to seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon, their enemies! It was practical advice for self-preservation, while they learnt to wait for God’s time of restoration and return. At the same time, in seeking the welfare of the foreign nation, they would become a testimony of YHWH’s faithfulness and providence despite the exile. For example, we see how Daniel exerted a godly influence over the Babylonian kings he served, when he remained faithful to God and at the same time sought the welfare of Babylon.

In a sense, we too are in exile, aren’t we, as we await our heavenly rest. We know that while we live in this earthly kingdom, we must seek and serve the King of the eternal and heavenly kingdom. Yet, while we wait, we are likewise called to seek the welfare of this nation. How do we seek its welfare?

As individual disciples, we can do so where we are planted – in our homes, schools and workplaces. At work, your contribution is not just to bring home the dough or bacon, but to make a positive impact on society and your colleagues, clients and customers. With uncompromising character, conduct and competence (recalling last week’s sermon), we seek to bless the people around us and point them to Jesus. In and through our families, we too can make a difference in the way we parent or relate with each other. Our families can serve as a blessing to others, especially when we take Jesus’ call as salt and light seriously, to pursue things of eternal rather than mere earthly value. This endeavour is by no means easy, but we trust and lean on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us to be obedient to and effective for Him.

As a church too, we want to also seek the welfare of the nation, especially in this West Coast area where we are planted. Indeed, we have been blessed to be a blessing to our community. This weekend we play host with Mt Carmel BP Church to the neighbourhood through our Family Festival. As part of the I love West Coast initiative, it is an opportunity to celebrate our National Day, and in particular, families. I am so glad to see many brothers and sisters including those from Teenacity, Crux, Chinese Ministry and various CGs participating in the block blessing and invitations to our neighbourhood in the past week or so. It was really nice to be able to connect with our neighbourhood. I had the pleasant opportunity to meet and pray for a pre-believing uncle in his 90’s who shared about the weakness in his legs.

Of course, there are other avenues through which you can bless and serve our neighbourhood. Some of you have been quietly and faithfully doing so, such as adopting various families who need more help, giving tuition to their children, encouraging the seniors through the active ageing centre activities. Good work and thank you!

Going forward, let us continue to press on in these:

(1) Pray. For the well-being of our West Coast neighbourhood, that it will turn increasingly Godward. Pray that we will be positive witnesses and humble servants who serve with the joy of the Lord. Pray that more of us will take our call to seek the welfare of the city seriously, especially of those around us. Pray that our potential church building extension project (Phase 4A) will be well stewarded to bless the neighbourhood as well.

(2) Serve. Let’s continue to let our light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Mt 5.16). Whether it is adopting and visiting a family, serving some Clementi Peaks families through family life and parenting workshops, or just welcoming them this weekend and beyond, let’s keep seeking their welfare, because it pleases our Lord.

(3) Give. Let’s continue to support these outreach works through our financial giving. Even though the economic prospects are becoming more challenging, let’s continue to trust God to provide for all of us in serving and reaching the community.

Blessed National Day in advance, and may we continue to seek the welfare of the nation.