Mission Devotional Day 9
By the rivers of Babylon—we sat down and wept
Mission Devotional Day 9
READ: Psalm 137
When the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar’s army in 586 B.C. and the people were taken as hostages to Babylon, they faced a tremendous crisis of faith. How could God have allowed this to happen to them? Well, they sort of knew what had transpired because the prophets had foretold their coming judgment. But how could they worship God in a strange land? How could they practice their faith without the temple?
During the years that followed, the Jews began to develop a tradition of worship that was centered on the synagogue rather than the temple. They sought to put in place expositions of their laws which might help them to be obedient in the future. These would eventually develop an outward religious appearance of which Jesus would be critical in his day.
Increasingly in our own day, the experience of Christians in the world is somewhat like that of these Jewish believers. Many in the church find themselves facing persecution and exile. Many find themselves removed from sacred spaces and from other believers.
We have learned that God can be worshiped in any place and that Jesus is present wherever two or more gather together in his name. So, while we may lament over things in our lives that are lost, it is important to remember that Jesus promised never to leave us or forsake us.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Have you ever lost a church building to fire, flood or earthquake? How did that experience feel? Did the loss that you experienced teach you new things about God’s presence and promise?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we are grateful that you are not limited to geographical locations and that you do respond whenever people call upon you. Help us to remember to pray for those who are persecuted and isolated because of their faith. Show us how we can both learn from them and stand with them. Amen.