Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin (Buk Baibel Long Tok Pisin 2008 + DC)
Na bihain, ol manmeri bai i askim yu olsem, ‘Bilong wanem God, Bikpela bilong mipela, i bin mekim ol dispela samting long mipela?’ Na Jeremaia, yu mas givim dispela tok bilong mi long ol, ‘Yupela i bin givim baksait long mi, na long graun bilong yupela yet yupela i bin aninit long ol god bilong ol arapela lain. Olsem na nau yupela bai i go i stap long graun bilong ol arapela lain na i stap aninit long ol dispela pipel.’”
What Does This Mean?
This verse is from God to the people of Israel, explaining that because they abandoned God and worshiped other gods, they will now be punished by serving foreigners in a land that is not their own.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you left your favorite toy at home and played with someone else's toy instead. God is saying that because you chose other toys (other gods) instead of Him, He will make you play with toys you don't like in a place that isn't even yours.
Historical Background
This verse comes from the Book of Jeremiah, written by the prophet Jeremiah around 626-586 BCE. It was written to the people of Judah during a time of spiritual decline and political turmoil.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, if you choose to follow things or people that are not aligned with God's values, you might face consequences that feel like being in a foreign land, far from the peace and comfort God intended for you.