“How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?”

Psalm 137:4
Life in exile is hard! As foreigners, the Israelites were constantly reminded they did not belong. The food tasted different, the language was new, the people and their mores were strange. But worst of all, the worship of the living God seemed to be missing.
Experiencing God’s presence, however, is not tied to geography. In fact, Peter claims New Covenant believers are themselves the stones that make up God’s spiritual house (see 1 Peter 2:5). Not only are we at home in Jesus, we become a “home” for others. We are called to declare the praises of God who called us into His marvelous light. The life we lead should be attractive to those around us so that they too glorify God.
Still, we’re not at home in this world. We’re but pilgrims on our way to our heavenly home. Getting too comfortable here and now or equating physical places with home in an ultimate kind of way not only dulls our senses, it may even hinder our witness to a watching world. Jesus came on a mission to call people home—home to heaven and home to Him.



Scripture Focus

Psalm 137:1-6

Insight

As you decorate your house for Christmas, think about what it means to be God’s spiritual house. How could you be “home” for someone today?

Bible In A Year

  • Hosea 12-14
  • Proverbs 15
  • 1 Peter 4-5

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