CCF International Church

Ps 137:3-6
3 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!”
4 How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,Let my right hand forget its skill!
6 If I do not remember you,Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—
If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.

The captive Israelites were in mourning as the instruments that gave them so much of joy and comfort in the temple in Zion, now lay by their side; unable to lift the spirit of despair and hopelessness that was upon them.
The situation was that Babylon required a song for the purpose of mere pleasure; for mirth; for entertainment purposes; for laughter.
The integrity of the captive Israelites is demonstrated in this simple question:
“How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?”

The impartation received in the corporate temple in Zion was able to influence their behaviour on the banks of the rivers of Babylon. Even though they were in captivity the Word of the Lord they had learned in the temple was alive in them.

Sadly the Church at large, in a quest for “professionalism” in ministry, has betrayed it’s loyalty to the corporate temple in Zion; to the teachings of the fathers; the Church has mastered its performance to such an extent that it can render a sound that is acceptable to the masses whilst functioning from the operating manual of Babylon. The temple on the holy hill of Zion lays desolate and forgotten as the Church is wholly focussed on entertaining the multitude.
The Lord is mindful of our ways; of the abdication of the responsibilities of this present day priesthood. His eyes are upon the priesthood that is occupying His house.
Remember the prophetic word to Eli when the Lord declared:

1 Sam 2:35
35 I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always.

God is interested in nothing less than taking full ownership of His priesthood. One that simply communicate that which is in His heart and in His mind. Not only to articulate, but also to implement those things that are in His heart and in His mind.
Meditate on these words of the Psalmist:
Ps 119:52-54
52 I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.

Let us emit a new sound. One that is fuelled by a passion for the Lord, His Word and His Kingdom.
Anything else is building on sand. It is my prayer that we will construct as wise master builders in 2010 using the architectural designs of the Master Builder, our Lord Jesus Christ.