Scripture

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept…We hung our harps upon the willows…those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth {joy and gladness}, Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

~Psalm 137:1-3, NKJV

Quote

Self is the god of misery.

~Lorenzo Scupilo

We talk about this often in our men’s bible study class: it is easy to find fault with the Jews, but the very things we see in them that we don’t like are in us as well. They were stubborn and rebellious: so are we. They were vain and self-centered: so are we. Due to their sin and rebellion, God allowed the Babylonians to invade Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the temple and to deport all but the poor to Babylon. The distance between Jerusalem and Babylon is 550 miles as the crow flies but the nearest road routes was 700 miles. It is not like they were moving from modern to primitive; Babylon was one of the wonders of the world: they had the high walls, the hanging gardens, canal running in all directions and the kings palace in Babylon was bigger than the entire city of Jerusalem. This had nothing to do with the Jew’s grief. They had been uprooted from their homes and they loved Jerusalem and the Temple. The Jews are not slaves like they were in Egypt but neither are the free to return home.

The point I wish to make is they missed a golden opportunity to witness to the lost Babylonians. Jewish music is the most exciting and upbeat music there is: why are we shocked, they excel in everything. I listen to Jewish music everyday. Were the Babylonians taunting the Jews? Probably, but still they have an opportunity to sing about Yahweh and they refused. They set down and cry when they could have stood and sang for Yahweh. Anyone can sing when everything is going great but can we sing when everything not going sour? Actually, it is in the difficult moments that are witness is the brightest.

How many times have I used this same excuse? LORD these people are not interested in the gospel; I would be casting pearls among swine. Yes, we are like the Jews, we hang our harps on the trees, sit in the dirt and feel sorrow for ourselves. This was the refreshing thing about Charlie Kirk; He sang the songs of Zion {Jesus} in a strange land. He refused to be silent. The Jews choose to pout when they could have praised.

I rarely disagree with Charles Spurgeon but if you read his commentary, you will see that he takes the other point of view. I hope he is right and that I am wrong but I have a strong conviction that we don’t need to hang our harps in the willows. We need to praise Yahweh in public. We need to share the gospel in the market place. Anyone can share the gospel inside the walls of a church but it takes someone with the courage of a Charlie Kirk or Ken Nelson to share it with the community.

Extra

Well folks October is here and that means less grass cutting and cooler nights. It also means lots of fellowship: mens breakfast October 11, Pastors Conference October 6 and 13, 49er October 24 and the BILL SMITH JUMBALYA supper October 29. I know that many of you have been praying for the Clark family. Charity put a post on FB. The doctors have given her no hope and no more treatments will be given. Joe David has asked that 100 people give $100 for the family to go to Disney World. The doctors gave Charity 3-6 months. He did this Monday and I think they have over half already. You can give on line or take cash to Mandy. Whatever we do, we must do quickly.

I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading the blog.

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