All Israel was registered in the genealogies that are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. The first to live in their towns on their own property again were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.
1 Chronicles 9:1-2 (CSB)
Father, I praise and thank You today for the men and women of God You have placed in my life, who walk as examples for me of what true faith in You looks like. When I go astray and must endure the discipline that comes as a result of my actions, it is their example that encourages me on the way, reminding me that You are a God of grace, mercy and restoration. It their encouragement to me to come back to Your throne and there find what my soul is longing for. And in their brokenness they lead me there. And like the Israelites who followed the priests, Levites, and temple servants back to Jerusalem, I follow them back to You.
Through their living out what true brokenness and humility look like I can see first hand a tangible example of what a life in Christ is supposed to be, not this “holier than though” façade put on to impress folks with my knowledge of the Bible or outwardly righteous life. Instead, they show me that it is about constantly turning away from who I used to be and turning towards You. They remind me that it is not about getting it right but about being in Christ. And from this I get joy, because as Scotty Smith declared, “You don’t love us as we should be, or will be, but as we are right now. You don’t love us to the degree we are like Christ but are in Christ—which is 100%.” Who wouldn’t rush into the arms of a God like that?
So today, I just come back into Your presence, lifting up my hands and my heart to You, thanking You and loving You for all You have done for me. I savor, even now, the blissful joy that is mine in Christ, knowing that I shall never be in exile again, but always now, and forever, in Your presence. I patiently wait, with those whom You have placed in my path to walk with me, for that glorious day when I can see You, Him, face-to-face! Amen.