Read Reflect It is always a sobering site to visit a war memorial, still more shocking to visit a town or village ravaged by violence and war. I have seen many such places in my travels abroad, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after years of civil war in the Kivu Region, for example. […]
Read More devastation, exile, God’s wrathRead Reflect Chapters 30-33 have been called “The Book of Consolation” because they speak of the restoration of the Jews. They would one day return to the Promised Land. Jeremiah sees something even more important in their future: a new relationship with their God, which he will describe in chapter 31. Chapter 30 is confusing […]
Read More consolation, exile, sufferingThis chapter has two parts that focus on two different subjects. Ezekiel is writing this from exile in Babylon.
In verses 1-20 Ezekiel dramatically depicts what will happen to those still living in Jerusalem: the king and the people will go into exile (vv 1-16), and those living in Jerusalem will live in fear and anxiety as they endure the Babylonian invasion (vv 17-20).
Read More exile, judgmentWhen I was younger in my faith I had a wayward outlook on ministry. I can remember thinking that when we had an opportunity to speak at a school or event that we were bringing Jesus to that place. I don’t think anyone necessarily brings Jesus in that sense as if Jesus has never worked in that place before!
Read More exile, return, God at work
“Live in reverent fear during the time of your exile” (1:17). Exile means living in a place not truly home. To be exiled is to be alienated, perhaps in conditions that sap our ability to actually be the person we long to be. What is the best way to behave in these circumstances?
Read More intentionality, discipline, exile
A sense of estrangement permeates the book of 1 Peter. It addresses its readers as exiles and aliens, people who don’t fully belong in the place where they live. Ethnicity and geography were factors, no doubt. Even more significant is how communities centred on gospel grace are at odds with the culture in which they live.
Read More suffering servant, goodness, exile, desires