"Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from their captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar had deported them to Babylon, but now they returned to Jerusalem and the other towns in Judah where they originally lived."
Ezra 2:1
Ezra 2:1
But now they returned to Jerusalem and the other towns in Judah where they originally lived. (Sigh. Sigh again.) I loved those words so much had to read them again. I smiled as I read them. Hope you did. I also smiled when I read the words: volunteered, unified purpose, sacrifice, and rebuild. Finally, it seems they may be "getting it."
Wouldn't you love to have been there when they fearfully made the first sacrifice right on top of where the altar used to be? Can you hear the weeping of the priests and others as they celebrated the festivals again? They had not participated in festivals and sacrifices according to the law in 70 years. They had been exiled but now...now they were home.
Have you felt this way before? Sin and bondage held you captive. You were unable to sacrifice and worship the way you once did. Then you were released from your bondage and free to worship and sacrifice the way you had done before. But now, the worship wasn't like it was before, it was better, sweeter, more personal and meaningful than ever. So much more that your joyful shouts and weeping were mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. (3:13) You were home.
Oh, it is good to be back home. It is good to be back in Judah.
Have you felt this way before? Sin and bondage held you captive. You were unable to sacrifice and worship the way you once did. Then you were released from your bondage and free to worship and sacrifice the way you had done before. But now, the worship wasn't like it was before, it was better, sweeter, more personal and meaningful than ever. So much more that your joyful shouts and weeping were mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. (3:13) You were home.
Oh, it is good to be back home. It is good to be back in Judah.
4 Comments:
Unfortunately, we don't always appreciate what we have until it's taken away. Today, I choose to have a grateful heart.
love, nancy
Wendy, I too was drawn to the words “…returned from exile.” Ezra 2:2, 36, 40, 43, 55
Returned from exile. Sometimes it’s the exile who appreciates home more than those already on the inside. The desire is different. The longing more intense. Those on the inside can become complacent or critical, but the exile returning has a fresh appreciation.
There are those who are exiled by force, and those exiled by choice. A self-imposed exile, often during desert times, pulls us away and isolates us from God and others. Alone was never God’s design.
Whether the exile is by deportation or personal decision, there is separation. Distance divides. The disconnect isn’t just physical. In fact, quite often location isn’t the issue. Hearts go into exile. Walls are built. Defences strong. Exile becomes a protection.
My nephew is choosing a life of exile. Cutting all ties with friends, family and God, he is turning his back on everything and everyone. Each day another step is taken in the wrong direction. His mind is held captive by evil. Only God can return this prisoner of darkness. The situation looks impossible right now. Praying that someday he too will be returned from exile. Father, turn this runaway toward home.
Another verse impacted me just as equally this morning. "The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance." Ezra 3:13
Joyful shouting and weeping mingling. Times when both joy and sorrow meet. Two songs being played over my life at the same time. Rejoicing because of God's goodness in one area, yet fearful and doubting in another.
It's so hard being caught in the middle of one piece of music. The treble part is victorious and lilting, while the bass accompaniment lingers long, low and harsh. Inside, my emotions are torn. The arms of my heart are stretched out. Each one is being pulled in the opposite direction. A battle is being fought. Joyful shouting and weeping mingled together. The journey of life brings the Road to Emmaus, but also the Via Dolorosa. Two paths. Two songs. Both leading to the same Savior.
In between two songs,
Joy
Oh, YES, to be home again! I underlined, 'returned to Jerusalem!' First things first~the altar is put into place, so that the sacrifice and worship are brought back. And then~ the foundation of the Temple is laid! Aahh, yes, they are "getting it."
"The priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets.
The Levites, clashed their cymbals to praise the LORD. With praise and thanks, they sang to the LORD:
He is so good!
His faithful love for Israel endures forever!" 3:10 & 11
And, then what happens? The opposition begins-[4:1-5]
This is a lesson we can learn from these very godly Jewish people. Today, as we desire to get closer to our Father, we too will face opposition. Once Satan sees where we have set our hearts, he will use everything in his power to keep us from being filled with the Spirit. His purpose is the opposite of our purpose. He sets out to turn our attention & draw us away from God's Word. He allows us to come up with excuses as to why we do not have the time to read the Bible. He does not want us in the Word, or praying.
"God is good!
His faithful love endures forever," ---for the Israelites, and for us today. As we daily offer Him our praises and thanks, Satan can not win... we press forward to follow God's will for our lives.
Oh LORD, by myself I can do nothing. Help me, today, whole-heartedly, seek not to please myself but Your will for me. (John 5:30) Lord, I have your invincible power inside me, [Eph 6:10] let me look ahead with confidence, not in myself, but in You. Amen.
Catch my love, hugs, and prayers coming your way! Give thanks to our LORD today. Relish in the thought that He is with you, every moment, all day long! aahh!
Lori - AZ
God's heart shine right through your fingertips this morning, sisters!
WOW!
An uplifting and humbling reading today takes us to our knees and lifts us up to heaven in one motion...we weep and shout for joy along with our ancestors. God is so good!
With praise and thanks let us sing to the Lord "just as King David had prescribed" Ezra 3:10
Community and worship, praise and thanksgiving...it just does not get any better. Or does it? :)
We are all so blessed!
Our chains are gone - we've been set free! Amen!
Liz
AK
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