Lately I have been thinking about a song recorded by The Melodians in 1970. “Rivers of Babylon” is one of a few popular songs actually taken from the Bible. Psalm 137 refers to the plight of God’s people, who had been taken captive by the Babylonians as they destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
The song and the Psalm note that the captors demanded that the Jews sing some of their old, happy songs. The Psalmist replies, “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” They were captives. They were not their own people any longer. Their Temple was gone. How could they sing songs of joy and mirth?
For the last few years, I am feeling more and more like I am in a foreign land. Our culture has changed so much from the values of the past; I sometimes feel like I don’t belong. It’s enough to cause Christians to become perplexed and confused and disheartened. What’s a person to do?
Early in the Gospels, Jesus clues us in regarding our mission here on earth. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven,” (Matt 5:16).
Keep shining. Keep doing good. Keep living for God, no matter what! The churches of Carson City welcome you as we continue to sing the Lord’s song.
Faith and Insight by Bruce Henderson, Airport Road Church of Christ, Carson City.
