Devotion
There’s no place like home
David Jacobs

Have you seen the movie The Wizard of Oz? In it, a young girl named Dorothy is whisked away by a tornado, transported to the land of Oz. She goes on a journey, meeting friends and foes along the way. Eventually, she utters the famous phrase, "There's no place like home," and she is suddenly back at home, in her bed, apparently having dreamt the entire story.

Sadly for the kingdom of Israel, the Babylonian captivity was not just a bad dream. The Jews were persecuted and exiled from their homeland, scattered around without any central area to settle. Their luck changes when the Persian king, Cyrus the Great, conquers the land of Israel and invites the people of Israel back to their homeland. As we all know, this area of the globe has been disputed and fought over to this day, but everyone with a connection to it will not give up their homeland. Like Dorothy said, "There's no place like home." God gives the Jews another chance in the place they call home. When it seems as if we will never have good fortune, the Lord will give us what we need. Do not despair, God will provide.

Prayer

Thank you my God, for giving me the chance to live on the earth that you created. It is my home and I will do what I can to honor your work by taking care of it. Let all people feel comforted wherever they are; all people feel that they are welcome in any place; all people know that we all must share God's home. Amen.