Saturday, 3^rd June 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: GOD TURNED OUR CAPTIVITY

THEME SCRIPTURE: “When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream.” – Psalm 126:1

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What is Zion's captivity, and how did God bring them back?

 

During the reign of King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah foretold the seventy years when Judah would be held captive under the dominion of Babylon, as documented in Jeremiah 25:11. This was a divine judgment inflicted upon them due to their rebellion in heeding the teachings of the Lord, as conveyed through His prophets. In Daniel 1:1-2, we are told that King Nebuchadnezzar went against Jerusalem and besieged it: “And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.” Fast forward: Israel had been in captivity for over 70 years in Babylon, but in Ezra chapter 1, we are introduced to King Cyrus, the Persian, who, through the inspiration of the Lord, declares an end to the over 70-year captivity of Judah.

Psalm 126 captures the essence of the Israelites' emotions during the momentous events surrounding King Cyrus' announcement.

After dwelling in Babylon for over seventy years, it had become their comfortable home. The decree from Cyrus came as unusual and least expected. The Psalmist expresses their emotions and overwhelming joy, stating, "When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream." Charles Spurgeon observed that “so sudden and so overwhelming was their joy that they felt like men out of themselves, ecstatic, or in a trance.” The declaration marked both the end of Babylonian captivity and the restoration of the dignity of the people and nation of Israel. Before this, Nehemiah gave us an insight into how terrible things were: “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire—Nehemiah 1:3.” What a joy it was for them to be given the opportunity to return to their homeland and rebuild their nation.

Beloved in Christ, this is an affirmation of the profound experience of salvation from the dominion of darkness and being planted in the kingdom of God's beloved Son (Col 1:13–14).

We were once walking under the sentence of death and the wrath of God, until Jesus entered into time to die on our behalf to redeem and reconcile us with our God. There was no hope for us, only an eternal fate of despair. We now rejoice in our deliverance from the enslavement of sin and the devil. We, who were not a people, have been transformed into the chosen people, serving as the royal priesthood of God. This is the essence of the good news—the gospel. Even when we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Hallelujah!

Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, the most extraordinary miracle one can ever receive is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Being set free from sin should instill in you a profound hope and the assurance that God is capable of delivering you from any trials and tribulations you encounter in this present life. This is also an encouragement for us to eagerly anticipate the glorious return of Jesus, when our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortality. When the trumpet resounds, we shall be united with him, where the wicked shall cease their troubling and the weary will find eternal rest. Hallelujah!

 

FURTHER READING – Psalm 126:1-6

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so  

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How much does your salvation mean for you?

 

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, I affirm how grateful I am to merit your mercy and be delivered from the kingdom of darkness and to be planted in the kingdom of your dear son. Help me by your Holy Spirit never to lose consciousness of such a great salvation and to live to please you, in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Joshua 20; Joshua 21; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 27; Hebrews 10