Date: Dec. 7, 2016
Psalm 137:1-9 (ESV)
Key Verse: 137:4
First, we remember Zion (1-4). The Jews were carried off to Babylon to live there in exile for 70 years. This was God's discipline for their unfaithfulness. It was a sorrowful time. They knew they had sinned; they longed for home. Their Babylonian captors were superficial, proud and bent on pleasure-seeking. They enjoyed listening to the singing of the Israelite captives. But the exiles had no song in their hearts, for they were far from home and God seemed far away. Their highest joy was remembering Jerusalem and the temple in its glory.
Second, remember, O Lord (5-9). They could not sing; they could not retaliate; but they could pray. Their prayer sounds bitter and cruel--and indeed it was. It was very different from Jesus' prayer from the cross, "Father, forgive them..." But it was real--they laid their feelings before God. Their hope was in God alone.
Prayer: Lord, cleanse me of sin and rule my heart so that I can sing your songs during my earthly pilgrimage.
One Word: Sing the Lord's song
Genesis 49:29-50:26
Key Verse: 49:50:24
When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
