HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT GOING HOME –

After the break-up of Israel and Judah; and after invasions by heathen kings who scattered God’s people, with many being carried off into captivity; and after famine and other hardships caused many children of God to move in order to find help; and after many Jews sought to expand their business acumen to other countries; it was a joy for them to make a pilgrimage back to Jerusalem and the Holy Mountain of Zion to reconnect with God. The Korahites wrote a musical ode describing the scene on such occasions when people mixed together before God’s house and expressed how blessed they were to be called children of God.

“There’s no place on earth that the LORD Eternal loves any more than His holy sanctuary and the beautiful gates to enter there. No matter where you go, you hear people talking about how beautiful the holy sanctuary of our One True God is. You can talk about world renowned cities where people were born, but the same can be said of God’s holy sanctuary. In fact, anyone who can claim having been born there will be looked up to as very special. For the LORD Eternal keeps record of people from every nation and where they were born; identifying those born in His holy sanctuary. That’s why when the singers began to sing and the dancers begin to dance, they will shout with joy, ‘Everything I am or ever will be I owe to this place!’” Psalm 87:1-6

Reflection: At Passover Jewish people use a special guide called the Haggadah, to help them through the Seder meal and the special occasion it celebrates. When they reach the end of the meal and drink from the final cup, they end with this blessing: “Concluded is the Passover Seder, according to its law and custom. As we have lived to celebrate it now so may we live to celebrate it again. Holy One, who dwells in His habitation restore the myriad congregation. Speedily lead the offshoots of thy stock redeemed to Zion in joyous song.” Then, everyone living outside Israel joins in and shouts “Next year in Jerusalem!” while Jewish people living in Israel say “Next year in Jerusalem rebuilt!” One day the psalmist will be joined by a myriad of true believers from all over the world as they stream into Jerusalem to welcome the returning Messiah. Likewise, just as this thought brings joy and excitement to the psalmist, it will do the same for everyone who believes and awaits that glorious day. What if Christian congregations in churches around the world ended their Sunday services with this shout: “Next Sunday in the New Jerusalem!” My, what hope that would bring to those who feel exiled in this world. But remember, your name must first be in the record God keeps in order to be freely admitted there.