As followers of Jesus find themselves increasingly at odds with the cultural mainstream here in California, our state can often feel like a modern-day Babylon. From crumbling institutions to spiritual decay, it’s easy to see parallels to the nation in decline pictured in Jeremiah 29. Yet despite our challenging circumstances, California Southern Baptists can draw hope and encouragement through the prophet’s message to the exiles.
The Consequences of Forsaking God
After years of idolatry, sexual immorality, and even child sacrifice (Jeremiah 7:30-31), God sent Judah into exile as a result of their rebellion. The destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the people serve as stark warnings that there are real consequences when a nation turns away from God (2 Kings 25).
California mirrors this in many ways. From the rejection of biblical values to the promotion of abortion to the embrace of transgender ideology, the “Golden State” is walking a distressingly similar path to ancient Judah. As Christians, we must recognize that corporate sin affects not just individuals but nations and churches as well (Revelation 2:4-5).
God’s Mercy Even in Judgment
Thankfully, God does not abandon His people—not even in judgment. In Jeremiah 29:5-7, He tells the exiles to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of their city. God still has a plan for His people despite them being in a foreign land.
When it feels like everything is falling apart, God is still at work. He did not forsake His people in Babylon, and He has not forsaken us here in California. The cultural and spiritual exile we may feel is not the end. God’s mercy remains, and He calls us to live faithfully, seek the good of our communities, and trust in His plan for redemption.
A Call to Witness
One of the most striking aspects of God’s message to the exiles is His command to live as a faithful presence in a foreign land. Instead of retreating, God calls His people to engage with their surroundings productively. Just as God instructed the Jews in Babylon to pray for their captors, we, too, are called to pray for our leaders—even those whose policies we oppose.
This is a vital lesson for Christians in California today. We may feel like we live in a modern-day Babylon, but God still calls us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).
Hope Beyond the Present
One of the most quoted verses from this section of the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11. Sadly, many modern Christians’ only familiarity with this line comes on a warm and fuzzy graduation card. But it’s crucial to understand this Scripture in its full context.
God’s promise to give His people “a future and a hope” came towards the beginning of their exile. He did not guarantee immediate deliverance—God’s plan involved a long process of restoration.
For Christians in California, our hope is not necessarily for immediate change. We may not see a swift turnaround in our culture, but we can trust that God’s long-term plan is for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Living Faithfully in Exile
California Family Council (CFC) is grateful for our long partnership with the California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) to stand as stalwart guardians of Biblical values in the state. Both our organizations remain committed to the Great Commission’s work of making disciples and teaching them to obey Christ’s commands amid a culture that opposes God’s truth.
So, what can we do to live faithfully in “Babylon”? Here are five action points for Christians in California:
- Pray for California’s leaders and institutions. Just as Jeremiah instructed the exiles to pray for Babylon, Paul also reminds us to pray for those in authority, even when we disagree with them (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
- Engage with the culture. Instead of retreating, be a positive influence in your community. Build relationships, serve others, and contextualize the gospel to reach as many people as possible (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
- Stand for Biblical values. Uphold the truth of Scripture in your personal life and in the public square, even when it’s unpopular (Matthew 10:32-33).
- Invest in the next generation. Teach your children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord. Equip them to navigate a culture increasingly hostile to Christian values (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
- Trust in God’s long-term plan. Remember that God’s timeline may not align with ours, but His plans are always for our good. Keep your eyes on the hope of eternal life, even as you work for the good of those around you today (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
As exiles in this modern-day Babylon, Christians are called to stand firm in our faith, just as Jeremiah commanded God’s people to do. Through prayer, engagement, and unwavering commitment to Jesus, we can be a light in California’s darkest corners. Our call is not just to survive in exile but to thrive as ambassadors for Christ—boldly living out our faith, proclaiming truth, and advocating for righteousness. The future may be uncertain, but we can rest in the knowledge that God is working through us to bring about His Kingdom, even in California.
