Scripture
Here in a foreign land, how can we sing the songs of the Lord?
Observation
The Jews are in exile in Babylon and are mourning the loss of their homeland.
Despite their belief that Yahweh, the Lord, is sovereign over all the other gods, it appeared that He had either lost His power to protect His people or else He had abandoned them.
More than that, they believed that the Lord was located or associated with the land of Israel. How could they sing God's praise in this land?
Yet they survived and flourished in the foreign land and came to a bigger understanding that God's reign extends across the world and He can be worshipped anywhere.
Application
We live in a society that is increasingly opposed to Christianity. People insult our worship and mock our devotion.
How shall we sing the song of the Lord in this strange land?
The challenge is to remain faithful to God in a world of a thousand temptations, We need to know God so deeply that all of the enticements, allurements and even outright opposition are seen for what they are- empty shadows.
Prayer
Father you have called us to sing your songs in a strange land- to live and worship you in a world that is so hostile to you. Please show us how to do this, just as you did for your people in Babylon. May we thrive in our faith as we live in this difficult place. Amen.
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