Today in the Word Devotional

Bring the Exiles Home


Listen Later

According to the United Nations, there are 103 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, whether inside or outside their home nations. A total of 32.5 million are classified as refugees, fleeing war or persecution. Of these, 72 percent come from the five countries of Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and South Sudan. After decades of exile following the Babylonian conquest, the Jews were finally allowed to return home. In today’s passage, the public reading and teaching of the Scriptures kindled spiritual renewal among the returned exiles. The leaders, including Ezra and Nehemiah, showed the way (vv. 5–8). Preparations had been made: A day had been set, a reading platform built, and the Levites organized for teaching. When the Law was opened, the people stood as a sign of respect. When Ezra praised the Lord, they bowed facedown to the ground in worship. As they listened, they wept, showing—like King Josiah—godly sorrow and repentance. This This day, though, was a day for celebration not weeping (vv. 9–12). The people certainly had sins to repent of, and the broken remains of the city reminded them of past sins and God’s judgment. In Nehemiah 9, we read of their repentance. But that day, however, was a day for rejoicing. God had kept His promise and returned their people to the land after 70 years of exile! He commanded a real party (the Feast of Booths)— described as “holy to our Lord”—with food and drink and sharing for those who didn’t have enough. This is the context for the often-quoted verse, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (v. 10). Why were they joyful? “Because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (v. 12). >> We often equate holiness with a somber mood, but the Bible speaks of “joy” in holiness! In our churches, we see this lived out through music and singing. In what other ways does holiness spark joy in us?
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Today in the Word DevotionalBy Today In The Word

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

65 ratings


More shows like Today in the Word Devotional

View all
Insight for Living Daily Broadcast by Chuck Swindoll - Insight for Living

Insight for Living Daily Broadcast

3,083 Listeners

FamilyLife Today® by FamilyLife Podcast Network

FamilyLife Today®

1,693 Listeners

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly by Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

4,790 Listeners

Breakpoint by Colson Center

Breakpoint

3,000 Listeners

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life by Tim Keller

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

15,727 Listeners

In the Market with Janet Parshall by Moody Radio

In the Market with Janet Parshall

1,380 Listeners

The Briefing with Albert Mohler by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

The Briefing with Albert Mohler

8,527 Listeners

The Land and the Book by Moody Radio

The Land and the Book

290 Listeners

Ask Pastor John by Desiring God

Ask Pastor John

3,896 Listeners

Summit Life with J.D. Greear by J.D. Greear Ministries

Summit Life with J.D. Greear

1,288 Listeners

Pray the Word with David Platt by David Platt

Pray the Word with David Platt

1,399 Listeners

Solid Joys Daily Devotional by Desiring God

Solid Joys Daily Devotional

2,131 Listeners

Core Christianity by Adriel Sanchez

Core Christianity

557 Listeners

The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble

The Bible Recap

35,216 Listeners

Daily Joy: A 365-Day Devotional for Women by Crossway

Daily Joy: A 365-Day Devotional for Women

76 Listeners