In 587 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem.  The whole nation was shattered, the city reduced to rubble, the temple in ruins, most of the population killed, the survivors hauled in disgrace to Babylon, far from home, wondering whether their God had ever been real in the first place.  Unthinkable - sort of 9/11 times a thousand.

   For a generation, Israel lived in exile.  We may know exile.  An unspeakable loss.  Longing for home - even when we're in the house.  Feeling alienated in a culture not of God.  We "mourn in lonely exile here," and pray:  "O come, O come, Emmanuel."

   The Israelites cried out, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:4).  How do we live in a world that does not know or love our Lord?  Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were pressed to bow down to Babylon's gods - but refused, preferring death to caving in (Daniel 3, 6).  They were saved!  God still spoke, the Lord's songs were sung, and ultimately there was a joyous homecoming as God's people returned and rebuilt their lives.

   Lord, helps us find our voice to sing your praise here in our exile - and to live holy lives that honor You.

James

james@mpumc.org

The complete eAdventWithMatthew series can be found on our web site.