We’ve all seen the pictures – frightened and desperate people, often carrying all of their belongings on their backs; parents trying to comfort their children but without certainty about what lies ahead of them. They often have had to flee with little more than the clothes on their back, leaving behind homes, possessions, jobs and loved ones. Sometimes I wonder what it would feel like to be faced with such challenges when I see the fear and despair in their faces. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees most recently estimated that the number of men, women, and children in the world forcibly displaced is now 82.4 million, including over 26.4 million refugees, half of whom are children.
Unfortunately, the plight of refugees is nothing new. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel both described the horrible atrocities that would happen to the nation of Israel as they were dragged away at the hands of their enemies…and they did. The common feeling among the exiles is that they might as well be dead. Ezekiel 37:11 – Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ For 50 years they lived like this.
Imagine the joy upon hearing one day that you could return to your homeland! This week we’ll look at the amazing story of God’s people returning to Israel. Chapter 19 of The Story describes the God ordained journey of Zerubbabel and Ezra to lead almost 50,000 Jews back HOME. It was far from easy – there were challenges waiting for them when they returned.
But the biggest obstacles were the ones they carried with them in their own hearts – the very reason God had allowed the exile in first place. Just like you and me, they started out strong but quickly forgot the lessons of dependence ON God and obedience TO God. Prophets encouraged and challenged them along the way, “Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:7). They did, and so will we this Sunday. Read Chapter 19 in the Story or Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah in your Bible to be prepared.
Some of you have asked about helping refugees right now. I’m happy to tell you about our partners at Samaritan’s Purse and their Afghan Resettlement Program. It is such a tremendous opportunity to minister to hurting families. Check out this video about the Afghan Resettlement Program.
In Christ,
Kurt Jones
P.S. Louse Winsor has let me know that children’s Sunday school is cancelled for this Sunday due to COVID concerns and illness among our congregation and volunteers. Children are always welcome in our services indoors and outside too.