Evidence of Successful Exiles

Scripture: The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty, besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred men and women singers. Ezra 2:64-65

Observation: King Cyrus declares the rebuilding of the temple, and the Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem. In the first wave - those who return with the leaders including Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, and (presumably) Ezra, are over 42 thousand. However, they bring with them over seven thousand servants, which works out to one servant for every 5.8 Jews, or easily one or two per household. They also brought 200 singers, and tens of thousands of quality animals.

This is not the description of a vanquished, depressed, enslaved people being sent out of an empire. This is a description of normal residents of the Persian Empire, who had been living as members of society with established households. They made enough money to acquire material goods and employ servants to support the needs associated with working their homes and land. Several even had enough money to employ entertainment in the form of foreign singers, and expected their wealth to be sufficient to keep such foreign individuals employed even as they moved to the deserted city of Jerusalem.

The Jews had been in exile from their land, but here we see that at least some quantity had learned to thrive under their captors, but also fully retained their faith in the Lord so that, as soon as the call came to return and rebuild, they were ready. They did not take a wait-and-see approach ... they were in the first wave, with their households in tow, because God was on the move fulfilling prophesy and they were joining in.

Application: We know that we - Christians - are exiles. This condition is described by Jesus of believers, and it is spelled out clearly in the New Testament book of 1 Peter. Exactly as the Jews in Babylon, we are individuals who have a faith, but a faith that is different from the belief systems, practices, and norms of the society in which we live. In this, we are to remain both faithful and faith-filled, obedient to God and believing in Jesus. However, we are also to live in this other society, and find our way in life, even using influence we gain to communicate the love the God.

The Jews succeeded in this. For 70 years - a full lifetime by any standard - they successfully lived in a society opposed to their faith, while also retaining their faith so strongly that they were prepared to step away from their homes when called.

How am I doing as an exile today? I could be more outward in my faith here at work, but I am also well known to my coworkers as a Christian despite the fact that at least 80 percent of my coworkers are not. I try to show compassion and support, and I try to serve others first in my daily activity, because I know this is how I can best shine the light of Jesus here in this place. So I could do more, but I'm doing ... okay. And my faith is even stronger than before, despite the attitudes of those around me.

I am an exile. I accept and embrace that. And I am inspired by 42 thousand Jews who, 2,500 years ago, were successful exiles as well.

Prayer: Lord, may I walk your path this day here during my everyday life. Please take me by the hand and lead me through this valley, for I do not fear it when I am with you. I am in this place, and in this time, which you have appointed to me. Use my life as you see fit. Amen.