The Chronicler ends his nine chapter review of the genealogies with the Levitical singers. It seems this group is one of his favorites. Chapter 9 records the post-exilic genealogies, focusing on the generation that God gave another chance to live in the land of milk and honey. While in exile the people had nothing to sing about. The harps were hung on the trees and the choirs were disbanded as the captive children adjusted to their life away from God’s presence. But now, they have been restored, and once again there is something to sing about.
Sometimes I feel like I’m living in exile. Away from God who seems to have turned a deaf ear to my prayers. I lose hope for the future. I become discouraged with the present and grieve over the pains of the past. There is nothing for me to sing about!
But even in exile there is still hope when we remember that our God is the God of the 2nd chance. He’s also the God of the 3rd, 4th and yes, even the 5th chance. Notice that Jeremiah writes in the middle of the exile, ” This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new ?every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)
In exile we must remember what our God is like and just wait for Him. That’s what David did. David the greatest song writer wrote, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, ?making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:1-3)
Chuck
“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2(NLT)