September 21
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Chronicles 9:1-34
Today it is common to move from where you grew up to pursue education, a job, or even a relationship. This would have been nearly unheard of at this time in history when generation after generation remained in the same locale. As the Jewish exiles slowly trickled back into Israel, they would have returned to their cities of origin, but there was a need for more people to live in Jerusalem. The capital city, the place of the temple, needed to be restored, so a certain number either volunteered or were chosen by lot to move into the city. To leave one’s family to live somewhere else was strange, but there are examples throughout Scripture of people who bravely left their homeland to obey God. Abraham left Ur to move to the Promised Land out of obedience to God. Ruth left her country to follow Naomi and God. The ultimate example though is Jesus. He gave up his eternal place in heaven to take on a body and come to Earth. He did this out of love, grace, and obedience. All these people left behind the comfort of one home to go where God was calling them. God also calls us to be exiles. Our current houses make for a great training ground but not our ultimate homes. We all await our final residence with Christ and, in the meantime, are called to surrender everything to follow Christ. God may call us to a new city or to an intentional conversation across the street, but we can bravely trust him wherever he takes us.
Father God, help me to walk in obedience to you. Help me to trust you, obey you, and follow you wherever you take me. Amen.
What are some of the things that keep you from fully obeying God?
Today it is common to move from where you grew up to pursue education, a job, or even a relationship. This would have been nearly unheard of at this time in history when generation after generation remained in the same locale. As the Jewish exiles slowly trickled back into Israel, they would have returned to their cities of origin, but there was a need for more people to live in Jerusalem. The capital city, the place of the temple, needed to be restored, so a certain number either volunteered or were chosen by lot to move into the city. To leave one’s family to live somewhere else was strange, but there are examples throughout Scripture of people who bravely left their homeland to obey God. Abraham left Ur to move to the Promised Land out of obedience to God. Ruth left her country to follow Naomi and God. The ultimate example though is Jesus. He gave up his eternal place in heaven to take on a body and come to Earth. He did this out of love, grace, and obedience. All these people left behind the comfort of one home to go where God was calling them. God also calls us to be exiles. Our current houses make for a great training ground but not our ultimate homes. We all await our final residence with Christ and, in the meantime, are called to surrender everything to follow Christ. God may call us to a new city or to an intentional conversation across the street, but we can bravely trust him wherever he takes us.
Father God, help me to walk in obedience to you. Help me to trust you, obey you, and follow you wherever you take me. Amen.
What are some of the things that keep you from fully obeying God?
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