Exiled

Exiled. It's been 70 years. This is the year that God promised through Jeremiah's letter that the people would be set free. Set free from this captivity in Babylon. Will God remember? Will He follow through? Will He keep He keep His promises?

Exiled. "The Persians are coming!" Comes the call. There is much excitement from the Israelites. Could this be it? Will they set us free from this bondage? Is this the fulfillment of God's promises? Some are cynical and scoff, "They haven't come to set us free. They will only put us under more bondage. Things won't change. This is our life now." But others are moved. Their eyes are alight with joy. Their hearts are stirred. They know they are going home.

Exiled. King Cyrus, King of the Persians, is coming. The one whom Isaiah calls "anointed". His army marches into the heart of Babylon without contention. His rule and reign over Babylon secure. The proclamation is made:

"The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem."

Exiled. Much excitement sirs amongst the people. People frantically scurrying about to gather their belongs. They are headed home. The cynical mock and scoff, "It's too dangerous! There is nothing to return to! Have you forgotten how Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple? The way is too hard. You won't make it. Stay here. Our home is here now." But they are moved. Their eyes are alight with joy. Their hearts are stirred. They know they are going home.

Exiled. The journey is hard. The road is long. Some loose heart and turn back. The others stay strong and press on. Their eyes are lifted to the hills. Their help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

Exiled. Home. Home at last. Their is much work to be done. Much to repair. The work is toilsome. The enemies great. But still they stand their ground. Their hearts are not moved. They are not shaken.

Exiled. Although they are home, they are not really home. They are still pilgrims in the land. Pilgrims on their way to an eternal home. They are still exiled. Waiting to be called home. Waiting for the return of Christ. 

We are the exiled.