Harps of Babylon

Read: Psalm 137:1-4.

Introduction: From 605 to 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar attacked and conquered Judah, causing about ten thousand Jews to go into exile in Babylon (see 2 Kings 24:10-17). Among them were Ezekiel, Daniel and the Hebrew boys, plus the writers of Psalm 137. These exiles would often meet together for prayer by the Kebar River, which is the setting of this Psalm. The verses reveal a number of erroneous attitudes in their hearts.

1. They had Forsaken their Joyful Song in the Hard Times of Life.
These exiles were refusing to rejoice and to worship God now that life had become difficult. Whether in the Temple of Jerusalem or by the river of Babylon, the Lord’s Name is to be praised, and believers should always be able to sing the song of Zion! Biblical characters such as Joshua (Joshua 6:20); David (1 Samuel 16:23) and Paul (Acts 16:25-26) each learned the power released by praise and worship when they faced their challenges. We should sing our way out of every desert. Ephesians 5:19-20.

2. They had Abandoned their Ministry now that they were away from Home.
The Psalms were the “hymn book” of the Temple in Jerusalem, and this psalm makes particular reference to singing worship and to music instruments. The writers of Psalm 137 were most likely a group of worship leaders who had decided to “hang up” their ministry; thus missing the purpose for which God brought them to Babylon. Compare and contrast with Ezekiel whose ministry began when he got to Babylon: Ezekiel 1:1-3. But is it biblical for God to use people in another town, city or even nation? 

YES, God places men and women where He wants them in His plan.
Paul said, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26). So where we are is where God has ordained for us to be, and given that fact we should serve Him wholeheartedly in that place. 

YES, New Testament Cities were served by those from “Out of Town.”
Acts 13:1 reveals who God was using to build the church at Antioch; and not one of them was native to Antioch; in fact they came from a rich variety of cultures and nations. Barnabas was a Cypriote (Acts 4:36); Simeon was possibly African (niger is latin for “black”); Lucius was from Libya; Manaen was a Hebrew; and Saul was from Tarsus. 

YES, we have a Call to Disciple the Nations.
Acts 1:8 teaches that when the Spirit comes upon us, we get out of town! The story of the New Testament is that of men and women who left home to serve God, as is the history of the Jewish people through Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). We disciple the nations.

Conclusion
Read and consider Mark 4:1-8. It is clear that unless we take root we can bear no fruit. Whatever our circumstances and wherever we find ourselves, let us arise and serve God to the full in that place. Then, like Ezekiel, the hand of the Lord will surely come upon us!