PODCAST
How Can We Not?
June 8th, 2020
Ezra 2:1-13
Imagine yourself in their shoes: over 70 years exiled in a foreign land. This wasn’t your choice; you were forced to go. That’s what happened to the Israelites when they were exiled to Babylon. Despite their displacement, they had word that one day God would bring them back home.
I was 22 when my family moved to the United States from the Philippines. Things were different. The language, food, commercials on TV were weird, the way of life was nothing like home. As much as I remember moving to the United States, I remember vividly when I first returned to the Philippines. It took 7 years before I returned. Emotions ran high. It wasn’t just me, however. When our plane landed in Manila, people began cheering, clapping, hollering: “Thank you God! I’m finally home!”
I only had to wait 7 years; I can’t even imagine 70 years. The Israelites were moved to do one thing when they returned. They built an altar, offered sacrifices, and worshipped God. Worship was a priority.
Author: Sherwin Rulloda
June 8th, 2020 at 5:34 am
The scriptures for this devotional should be Ezra 3:1-13.