「So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture,

Will give You thanks forever;

We will show forth Your praise to all generations.」　Amen.

　In 586 BC, Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon. The temple was destroyed and the remaining people were taken to a foreign country, Babylon. In the midst of such despair, they were convinced of God's salvation and pledged praise and thanksgiving in this song. God's salvation became a reality, and 70 years later, they were allowed to return, the temple was rebuilt, and hope arose that a Savior, Jesus, would be born from the lineage of David of the tribe of Judah!

　May we be mindful of the Lord's plan today as well.

God bless you.   See you tomorrow.