Read: Ezekiel 20:40-42
God’s nation, divided, was carried into exile in several waves. But the story, throughout these cycles, was of one truth: a people who were called by God to be his own had spent too many years and lifetimes away from God. Only exile would bring them to their knees in repentance and eventually to their spiritual home.
Consider what happened to the people in exile: They entered exile as Hebrews; they returned as Jews. They entered exile as a spiritually unfaithful people; they returned as God’s people. They entered exile under a monarch; they returned seeking a Messiah.
How will we, today, be changed by the short-term exile of the church?
Pray: Lord, give us fresh vision for your purpose in the world, and your purpose in us. Forbid that we should resume our old ways. Let us be challenged by this time to cease the self-centered routine, time to examine our ways, time to hear from you.
Amen.
Eric Reed is editor of Illinois Baptist media.