Dr, Barclay with Something to Think About - CAPTIVITY

 CAPTIVITY

On many occasions, during its long history, the nation of Israel was taken captive by hostile states.  Many of these occurred at a time when Israel had been disobedient to God and seemed to withdraw His protection from the nation He apparently favours.  One such occasion was the time when Israel was taken captive by the forces of Babylon.  During this time, probably toward its end, the captives mourned their plight in a way reflected in Psalm 137:

By the rivers of Babylon, 

there we sat down, yea, we wept 

When we remembered Zion.

For there were those who carried us away captive asked of us a song,

And those who plundered us requested mirth,

Saying “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:1, 3-4)

In essence, the Jewish people were asking how do you sing a song to God in a foreign land and under strange customs.  How do you praise when the mood is not right?  But in a sense are we not all captives in a strange land?  If we believe in Christ and follow Him, then are we not likewise like Him and not really “of this world” (John 8:23)?  Perhaps that is why at times it seems difficult to sing or pray or relate your feelings to others even though, in a foreign land, it may be necessary to do so. After all, it says:

…a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition…so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

If we are, as many believe, spiritual beings in human flesh, then we truly are not of this world but are here only for our brief lifetime and in essence are in captivity by “…the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…” (Ephesians 2:2). And just as the Israelites had to try and “sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land” so we must continue to do what we must do while here on earth.  It may seem difficult at times and without much result, but just as the Hebrew people were eventually liberated so shall we be in the future. For it says in 1 John 5:4-5:

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that overcome the world - our faith.  Who is he that overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

It may be hard at times, but while we remain captives “in a foreign land”, it is important to remember that Jesus said:  “…He has sent me heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed…” (Luke 4:18).

What more needs to be said?  Until that time occurs we need to remember to keep singing “the Lord’s song” and not become disobedient as the Israelites had done so many times in the past.  Just keep the faith!  Something to think about.