From Exile to Restoration: The Call to Return

Summary

Psalm 137 paints a vivid picture of God’s people in exile, weeping by the rivers of Babylon, longing for home, and feeling the weight of their own choices. This experience of exile is not just a historical event, but a spiritual reality that many face today—feeling far from God, burdened by regret, and wondering if restoration is possible. Yet, the story does not end in Babylon. God’s faithfulness is seen in His persistent call to return, His promise to heal, and ultimately, in the coming of Jesus Christ.

Israel’s exile was the result of turning away from God, seeking fulfillment in other things, and ignoring His loving warnings. The consequences were real: captivity, loss, and a sense of spiritual deadness. But even after returning to their land, the people remained unchanged at heart. What they truly needed was not just a change in circumstances, but a Savior who could transform them from within. The four Gospels each reveal a unique facet of this hope.

Matthew shows that where the Old Testament ends with a curse, Christ enters to break that curse. Jesus is the answer to the problem of sin and the curse it brings. Mark reveals that God meets us in our weeping, inviting us to the waters of repentance and washing, where all sins—even those we think are beyond forgiveness—are cleansed. Luke demonstrates that God breaks the silence of our suffering and gives us a new song, turning our fear and anxiety into peace and joy through the presence of Christ. John proclaims that in our emptiness, God Himself comes to dwell with us—Emmanuel, God with us—restoring the glory and presence we thought was lost forever.

No matter how far one has wandered, the invitation remains: remember where you have fallen, return to your first love, and experience the joy of restoration. Like the prodigal son, it is not enough to simply remember the Father’s house; one must get up and return. God is watching, waiting, and ready to embrace all who come home. The call is clear: do not dwell in Babylon. Come to Christ, who saves, forgives, and makes all things new.

Key Takeaways

- The consequences of turning from God are real and often lead to spiritual exile, but God’s love is relentless. Even when we feel too far gone, He continues to call us back, offering not just a change in our situation but a transformation of our hearts through Christ. [03:36]

- The curse of sin is not the final word for those who trust in Jesus. While the Old Testament ends with a coffin and a curse, the New Testament opens with Christ, who breaks the power of sin and offers forgiveness and healing—even for those who have wandered far. [14:45]

- God meets us in our deepest sorrow and regret, not to condemn, but to invite us to the waters of repentance and washing. No sin is beyond His forgiveness, and the invitation to be cleansed and restored is open to all who come in humility and faith. [23:14]

- In seasons of silence, suffering, or anxiety, God gives us a new song. True peace is found not in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of Christ as Lord. When we surrender our fears and give thanks even in hardship, God turns our silence into singing and our fear into joy. [32:07]

- The presence of God is no longer confined to a place, but is found in the person of Jesus. He is Emmanuel—God with us—and He promises never to leave us. Restoration begins when we remember our first love, return to Him, and allow His presence to fill our emptiness with His glory and joy. [37:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Reading Psalm 137
[01:56] - Who This Is For: Regret, Helplessness, and Feeling Far from God
[02:32] - How Israel Ended Up in Babylon
[03:36] - The Spiritual Babylon: Backsliding and Its Consequences
[05:49] - Returning from Exile: Outward Change vs. Heart Change
[06:25] - The Need for a Savior: From Malachi to the Gospels
[07:39] - Self-Examination: Are You in Babylon?
[08:38] - The Gospels as Answers to Babylon’s Sorrows
[14:45] - From Curse to Christ: Matthew’s Hope
[16:09] - Comfort for Those Who Mourn for the Backslider
[20:08] - From Weeping to Washing: Mark’s Invitation
[23:14] - Washed and Forgiven: No Sin Too Great
[26:33] - From Silence to Singing: Luke’s Joy
[32:07] - Finding Peace in Christ as Lord
[35:55] - From Emptiness to Emmanuel: John’s Assurance
[37:29] - God Dwelling with Us: The Tabernacle Fulfilled
[38:50] - Remember, Return, and Be Restored
[42:16] - Invitation to Respond and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Don’t Dwell in Babylon
*(Based on Psalm 137 and the Four Gospels)*

---

### Bible Reading

Psalm 137:1-5 (ESV)
> By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!

Matthew 1:21 (ESV)
> She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

John 1:14 (ESV)
> And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 137:1-5, what emotions are the people of Israel experiencing while in Babylon? What actions do they take to express these feelings?
2. According to the sermon, what was the main reason Israel ended up in exile in Babylon? [03:36]
3. In Matthew 1:21, what does the angel say Jesus will do for his people?
4. How does John 1:14 describe Jesus’ coming into the world, and what does it say about God’s presence?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that Israel’s return from exile didn’t change their hearts. Why does the pastor say that a change of circumstances isn’t enough, and what is truly needed? [06:25]
2. The message draws a parallel between Israel’s exile and times when Christians feel far from God. What are some signs that someone might be “dwelling in Babylon” spiritually? [07:39]
3. The pastor mentions that the Old Testament ends with a curse, but the New Testament begins with Christ. What is the significance of this transition for people who feel stuck in regret or spiritual deadness? [14:45]
4. According to the sermon, how does Jesus meet people in their sorrow, silence, or emptiness? What does it mean that Jesus is “Emmanuel—God with us”? [37:29]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that God’s people ended up in Babylon because they turned away from Him and sought fulfillment elsewhere. Are there areas in your life where you have been seeking satisfaction apart from God? What would it look like to turn back? [03:36]
2. The pastor shared that even after returning from exile, Israel’s hearts were still unchanged. Have you ever experienced a change in your circumstances but found your heart was still not right with God? What helped you move forward? [06:25]
3. The message says that no sin is beyond God’s forgiveness and that the invitation to be cleansed is open to all. Is there something in your life you feel is “too far gone” for God to forgive? What would it look like to bring that honestly to God? [23:14]
4. The sermon describes how God can turn our silence and fear into singing and joy, even in hard times. Can you share a time when God gave you peace or joy in the middle of suffering or anxiety? What helped you experience that? [32:07]
5. The pastor told the story of the prodigal son, who remembered his father’s house and decided to return. Is there a “first love” moment with God that you need to remember and return to? What practical step could you take this week to move toward God again? [38:50]
6. The message says that God is always watching and waiting for us to come home. What keeps you from returning to God when you know you’ve drifted? How can you overcome those barriers? [42:16]
7. The sermon ends with an invitation not to “dwell in Babylon” but to come to Christ, who makes all things new. What is one area of your life where you need to stop “dwelling in Babylon” and trust Jesus for restoration? What’s a first step you can take? [42:16]

---

*Close in prayer, asking God to help each person remember, return, and experience the joy of restoration in Christ.*

Devotional

Day 1: From Cursed to Christ
Through Jesus, we are set free from the curse of sin and restored to God’s grace.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. For there, 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!” — Psalm 137:1,3 (NKJV)

The curse of sin led Israel into Babylonian captivity, a place of torment and helplessness, far from the presence of God. Yet, the story does not end in despair. The Old Testament closes with the word “curse,” but the New Testament opens with Christ, the One who saves His people from their sins. Jesus is the remedy for sin, the One who heals the backslider and comforts those who mourn for loved ones who have wandered. No matter how far you have gone, Christ’s invitation is to turn the page, come to Him, and be set free from the curse. [14:45]

Matthew 1:1, 21 (NKJV):
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham… And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel the weight of past mistakes or regret? How can you bring that to Jesus today and trust Him to set you free from the curse of sin?



Day 2: From Weeping to Washing
God invites us to bring our sorrow and guilt to Him, where He washes us clean and restores us.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. — Psalm 137:1-2 (NKJV)

The Israelites wept by the rivers of Babylon, overwhelmed by the consequences of their choices and feeling distant from God. Yet, God’s heart is to meet us in our sorrow. The Gospel of Mark opens with the call to repentance and the promise of forgiveness. John the Baptist prepared the way, and people came confessing their sins, finding cleansing in the waters. No sin is beyond God’s forgiveness; He invites all to come, be washed, and made new. The invitation still stands: come to the waters, confess, and receive the washing only Christ can give. [21:47]

Mark 1:1, 3-5 (NKJV):
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”

Reflection: What is one sin or regret you have been holding onto? Will you take a moment today to confess it honestly to God and receive His forgiveness and cleansing?



Day 3: From Silence to Singing
God turns our silence and despair into songs of praise as we trust Him, even in suffering.

We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For there 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 137:2-4 (NKJV)

In Babylon, Israel’s songs were silenced by sorrow and distance from God. Yet, God breaks the silence with the arrival of Christ. The Gospel of Luke opens with songs—Mary’s song, the angels’ song—heralding the birth of the Savior and the coming of peace. Even in the midst of fear, anxiety, or suffering, God invites us to rejoice, to give thanks, and to sing again. Knowing Christ as Lord brings a joy that overcomes silence and despair, turning our mourning into praise. [30:36]

Luke 2:10-14 (NKJV):
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”

Reflection: When was the last time you praised God in the midst of difficulty? What is one way you can choose to thank and worship Him today, even if your circumstances haven’t changed?



Day 4: From Emptiness to Emmanuel
Jesus fills our emptiness with His presence, making us His dwelling place and restoring our purpose.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. — Psalm 137:1 (NKJV)

The loss of Zion, the temple, and the glory of God left Israel feeling empty and purposeless. But God’s promise was not to leave His people in emptiness. The Gospel of John proclaims that Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. He “tabernacled” among us, bringing the very presence and glory of God to earth. Now, through Christ, we are never alone; He dwells in us and we in Him. No matter how far you feel from God, He invites you to return to your first love and experience His abiding presence. [37:29]

John 1:1, 14 (NKJV):
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Reflection: Can you remember a time when you felt close to God? What is one step you can take today to return to your first love and welcome His presence anew?



Day 5: The Call to Return
God is always ready to welcome us home when we turn from wandering and come back to Him.

“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!” — Psalm 137:5 (NKJV)

Like the prodigal son, we may find ourselves far from God, dwelling in a place we were never meant to stay. But God’s heart is always for restoration. He calls us to remember where we have fallen from, to get up, and to return to Him. The Father is watching and waiting, ready to run to us, embrace us, and restore us to joy and fellowship. No matter how long you have been away, today is the day to come home and be renewed in His love. [41:30]

Luke 15:17-20 (ESV):
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

Reflection: Is there a part of your life where you have been “dwelling in Babylon”—far from God’s best? What would it look like for you to “get up” and return to the Father today?

Quotes

But praise God, Christian. All you have to do is turn the page. Turn one page and you come to the book of Matthew, the gospel. And we find that while Malachi ends with a curse, Matthew begins with Christ. [00:14:42] (16 seconds)  #FromCurseToChrist Edit Clip

Jesus is the remedy of sin. He saves his people, all who believe and all who will receive him. He saves them from sin and all its pollutions and the curse of sin. And God also promises, like through Isaiah, he will also heal the backslider. He will. Those who have gone away and gone astray, he says, I will heal them. And not only them, but those who mourn for them. [00:15:19] (34 seconds)  #HealingForTheBackslider Edit Clip

You have been washed and all that sin and that nature of sin is gone and removed from you. We are not left in our weeping. We are brought to the waters of washing. amen and this is the great invitation of the scriptures like in Isaiah God says come to the waters and in Jeremiah God says oh they shall come they shall come and when they do they're going to come with weeping but I'm going to lead them to the waters and it's there that we are washed by the Lord what an invitation. [00:23:45] (40 seconds)  #WashedByGrace Edit Clip

What's better, do you think? The fact that we can look up at him and say, I know him. Or that he, the Almighty, looks down on you and says, I know you. What a relationship we have with him. And it is full of joy. And my silence became singing. [00:34:57] (19 seconds)  #KnownByGodJoy Edit Clip

This is how David was able to sing while he's hiding in caves. And men by the thousands are hunting after him. He wrote some of the most beautiful psalms out of those caves. This is why when Paul and Silas, they were arrested and beaten. Many stripes upon their body. Thrown into the shackles and into the deep prison cells. And in the middle of the night, they're singing. Because they knew the Lord. They knew what it was like to walk with him. And they weren't silent in those times of suffering. They were singing. Because that's what God does. [00:35:16] (35 seconds)  #SingingInTheStorm Edit Clip

When Jesus came, John said he dwelt among us. In the Greek word that John uses for dwelt among us, the word dwelt means tabernacled. When Jesus came, he tabernacled with us. He is the temple. He is the tabernacle. That place you would go to meet with God, Jesus is that place. It's no longer the place of the temple, but the person of Jesus and all who come to him. They experienced the very, very presence of God. [00:37:59] (34 seconds)  #JesusTabernaclesWithUs Edit Clip

And the greatest of all, now that Jesus has come, once you experience his presence, he doesn't leave. Jesus says, I will be in you and you will be in me. I can't think of a greater unity than that. We're in him. He's in us. Day after day, we are in the presence and glory of God. [00:39:03] (19 seconds)  #UnityInChrist Edit Clip

Jesus says to the church of Ephesus who just like Israel had drifted off somehow the church in Ephesus in the book of revelation they drifted off and their relationship wasn't right anymore jesus said here's what you do first of all remember from where you fell remember from where it all started you were with me it's when you and i were together and you trusted in me you walked with me you obeyed me remember from where you have fallen and then come back to your first love it's that it come back to your first love be restored be made new and whole once again remember today you can think of a time that you remember oh it was so good years ago jesus says i haven't changed i haven't gone anywhere remember from where you have fallen come back to me stop dwelling in babylon and come to me amen [00:39:38] (60 seconds)  #ReturnToFirstLove Edit Clip

``He didn't sit down. He didn't dwell there. He got up, the Bible says. He got up and said, I'm going home. I'm going back to my father. And Jesus says that by the time he was going back and his father saw him because he'd been watching every day for him. When he saw his son coming, he ran to his son, embraced him, kissed him, and welcomed him back home. All sin was forgiven and forgotten. And once again, the joy of this boy's life entered in like a flood. Amen. That's a message for every back slider. God is watching and waiting. When will you return? When you decide, here I am. I'm ready to receive you again. [00:41:40] (46 seconds)  #RiseAndReturnHome Edit Clip