Is God punishing the Israelites for their sinfulness by sending them into exile in Babylon? They thought so, but it is more likely that by their refusal to return to the ways of God, they pushed aside God's attempts to help them. God is not vindictive; God does not punish. We punish ourselves by our stubbornness and refusal to admit that we are wrong or that we are weak and need help. During the long Babylonian captivity, the people of God will learn patiently what it means to cling to God with all their heart, mind and soul. Perhaps we have experienced disasters in our lives, experiences that leave us reeling with shock. Everything has collapsed. Where is God? God is right there, in the midst of the chaos and pain, wanting very much to bless and heal us and to give us the strength to go on.

Talk is cheap and easy, and doesn't really mean much unless backed up by deeds. We may think that we are strong or spiritually advanced, but the test will come the first time we face adversity. We find out what we are really made of. Jesus warns us not to just talk about holiness and love, but to practise these things, for it is by so doing that we are changed and moulded into God's likeness. Love is expressed in deeds, and each day is filled with opportunities to do so.