“By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.” – Psalm 137:1
Water & Thirsty Souls
Water can do wonders for a soul. What a glass of cold water can do for a physical thirst, a body of water can do for a thirsty soul. Whether it is a calm lake, the roll of ocean waves, or the ripple of a stream’s current, we often find solace in bodies of water. Water has a way of attracting us when the chaos of the world is closing in on us.
In the last two devotions, we have looked at the end of the reign of the Jewish kings and the Babylonian exile of the Jews under King Nebuchadnezzar. Now in Babylon, many of the exiles gather by the waters and lament. With the painful images of the ruined city and it’s Temple fresh in their minds, they remember the glory that was Zions. We can not always undo the past, but we can pay our respects to it by resolving never to forget. Such was the resolve of the exiles. It is believed by many that Psalm 137 was written by Jeremiah. It is certainly possible that the “weeping” prophet wrote this powerful Psalm, but we do not know for certain. No doubt it is emotionally charged with strong language and unforgettable imagery. However, who actually penned it is ultimately not important. What we do know is that it was God inspired. My challenge to you is to read the Psalm from the perspective of an exile. A healthy perspective for a child of God.
Homesick & Hope
During the time of the exile, Babylon was the world power. Nebuchadnezzar had a strong military, as the Israelites were too familiar with. Babylon was bustling. Babylon was growing. Babylon had impressive walls and buildings. It had beauty including the Hanging Gardens with man-made terraces and a mechanized watering system, making it one of the seven wonders of the world. Babylon was a “seat of learning and culture.” They had a codified law. Babylon was impressive. Babylon was famous. But for the Jews, Babylon wasn’t home. Those that gathered by the waters of Babylon would have rather been back in Jerusalem. As they gathered, they not only shared a common grief, but a common hope as well. Someday they would return.
10 “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:10-11
Longing for Home
As children of God, we share the hope of the Jewish exiles. Someday God will call us home. Our hope is not tainted by what was, but is fueled by what is to come. We don’t grieve a Jerusalem that lies in ruins. Rather we anticipate a New Jerusalem. A Heavenly Zion. One beyond the reach of the likes of Nebuchadnezzar. One with walls that will never be under a siege. A city whose temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. A city with the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. A river where we can sit down and meet at as we remember what God has done for us in Christ. Giving to us from the spring of the water of life without payment. Amazing what water can do for a thirsty soul.
Good Bye Babylon
Don’t be content with Babylon. Don’t look for fulfillment by the waters of Babylon. This world is not your home. You are an exile. Don’t cling too tightly to the temporal. We are only here for a season. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. A place we can call home. Forever. Your hope is greater than that of the Jewish exiles. May your passion for the New Jerusalem be greater than their’s was for the earthly. Our hope is not to return to the past. Our hope is eternal. May our perspective be the same.
Someday Babylon will be destroyed like the tower is was named after. The world and it’s “wonders” will be consumed. However, the Word of God will endure the fires. His plans for a future and a hope will come to fruition. While we are surrounded by the chaos of Babylon, might we have the resolve of Jeremiah and the exiles, and focus on the promises of God.
Waters and Worship
Someday we will gather at the waters of Heaven. As we do we will worship God Almighty and the Lamb who are the source of the waters. As we worship we will fellowship with the Saints. We will be reunited with loved ones. We will meet the Apostles. We will meet the Patriarchs. We will meet Moses, Joshua, and the prophets. Including Jeremiah. But he will no longer be known as the “weeping” prophet. There will be no tears. There will be no lamenting. The old will be gone. All will be made new. Wrongs will be righted. Justice will finally prevail. Love will always reign. What a future. What a hope. What a place to call home.
I hope you are looking forward to our time by the waters of Heaven. God is.