Pray the word with David Platt is a resource from radical.net.

Ezra chapter 2 verse 1.

Now these were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchinezer the King of Babylon

had carried captive to Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. You go on reading in Ezra chapter 2 and

you see a list of names of people who God brought out of exile in Babylon back to Jerusalem.

And as I read this verse and this list of names that follows, I'm overwhelmed by two things. One, I'm overwhelmed by God's

promise not to leave his people in exile. Just remember this for all who

trust in God.

Exile will not be the end of your story.

Suffering will not be the end of your story.

Trials, challenges, even as a result of sin that's part of what

the exile is. It's a picture of God's judgment do sin, but for all those who trust in God

exile will not be the end of your story you will return

you will be brought back all who trust in God.

Sin and sorrow and suffering will not be the end of your story.

And two, as you look at the list of names in Ezra chapter two, it's such a beautiful

reminder that God cares about each one of his people, that God cares about you. Just let this soak in

a fresh ray wherever you are right now God cares about you.

God knows your name.

God has called your name.

You belong to him and you are a treasure to him. He delights in you all who trusted in Jesus. You are his

daughter or his son. This is your identity, known, loved, and cherished by God.

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