Exile and Restoration

Judah, God’s beloved city and His temple, had fallen into ruin. All the treasures and riches that once adorned this holy place had been carried off to Babylon. The people, decimated and reduced to a mere remnant, found themselves back in exile – a familiar and devastating scenario.

This tragic turn of events had been prophesied time and time again, yet the people of Judah had stubbornly refused to heed the warnings. Jeremiah, the prophet of God, had pleaded with them to submit and be spared, but their pride and unrepentant hearts led them down a path of destruction.

The Sabbath Principle and the Need for Rest

One of the key lessons we can glean from Judah’s downfall is the importance of the Sabbath principle. God had commanded the Israelites to farm their land for six years and then let it rest for the seventh year, allowing the land to rejuvenate. However, the people had grown complacent, ignoring this divine instruction.

As a result, God decided to take back what was rightfully His, allowing the land to enjoy the rest it had been denied. This was a tough lesson in love, a reminder that sometimes we need to step back and surrender to the Lord, allowing Him to restore and renew us.

The Remnant and God’s Faithfulness

Even in the depths of Judah’s exile, God did not abandon His people. A remnant was preserved, a small group of survivors who would carry the torch of faith forward. This demonstrates the unwavering faithfulness of our God, who never forsakes those who belong to Him, even when circumstances seem bleak.

The Promise of a New King

The people of Judah had long awaited the coming of a Messiah, a new King who would free them from oppression and restore their nation. Little did they know that the King they had been praying for would not just deliver them from their earthly captors, but would come to save the entire world.

Jesus, the True King

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people celebrated, crying out “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” They recognized Him as the promised King, the one who would bring true and lasting peace. But Jesus’ mission was far greater than just liberating the Jews from Roman rule. He came to establish a Kingdom that would transcend all earthly kingdoms, a Kingdom where He would dwell with His people forever.

The Rebuilding of the Temple

The temple in Jerusalem, once a magnificent symbol of God’s presence, had been reduced to rubble. But God had a plan to restore it, using even a pagan king, Cyrus, to facilitate the rebuilding. This reminds us that our Heavenly Father is in control, and that He can use anyone and anything to accomplish His purposes.

Submitting to the One True King

As we reflect on the lessons of Judah’s exile and God’s promise of a new King, we are confronted with a choice. Will we, like the people of Judah, stubbornly refuse to submit to God’s authority, or will we humbly bow before the one true King, Jesus Christ?

The consequences of Judah’s pride and disobedience were severe. They lost their land, their temple, and their freedom. But even in their darkest hour, God did not abandon them. He preserved a remnant, and ultimately fulfilled His promise of a Messiah who would save the world.

In contrast, those who chose to submit to God’s will, like Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, were spared from the fiery furnace. They were willing to risk everything to remain faithful to the Lord, and He rewarded their obedience.

The Remedy for a Broken World

Jesus, the true King, came not just to free a few captives, but to save the entire world. He is the only remedy for the brokenness and sin that plagues humanity. By submitting to Him and allowing Him to reign in our hearts, we can find the peace, restoration, and eternal life that He offers.

Today, God is calling us to submit to Him, just as He called the people of Judah. Will we heed the warnings and surrender our pride, or will we stubbornly cling to our own way, risking the consequences of disobedience?

Even in the midst of our own “exiles” – the trials, struggles, and brokenness we face in this world – God remains faithful. He is always working to redeem and restore us, to bring us back to Himself. All we need to do is say “yes” to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Conclusion

The lessons of Judah’s exile and God’s promise of a new King are timeless. They remind us of the importance of humility, obedience, and surrender. As we face the challenges and uncertainties of our own lives, may we learn from the mistakes of the past and choose to submit to the one true King, Jesus Christ, who alone can truly save and redeem us.

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Sam Pharris

Sam Pharris and his wife Sarah are both natives to Cumberland County. They met in elementary school. Sam will tell you it was love at first sight! It must have been, because they dated all through elementary school, high school and college. They attended Tennessee Tech University together, where they both majored in Elementary Education K-8. They even work together now at South Cumberland Elementary where Sam is the Visual Arts Teacher and Sarah is the Librarian. Sam and Sarah began attending Grace in 2002 when Sarah accepted the position of Children’s Ministry Director. They quickly joined the Youth Leadership Team together as well. Sam is now one of our Teaching Pastors and often shares God’s Word with our congregation on Sunday mornings. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling with their family and spending time with their adorable son, Carson.