1. When the Lord Brought Back The Captivity of Zion
Psalm 126

2. Brought Back From Captivity (1-2)
When Zion was returned from captivity
They had been delivered
We have been delivered from sin’s bondage – Romans 7:24-25, 2 Corinthians 1:10, Galatians 1:4, Colossians 1:13

3. Brought Back From Captivity (1-2)
We were like those who dream
1) The greatness of the deliverance as if they were dreaming
2) Deliverance was as good as something they would dream
Typically, when we awake, things are as normal. BUT, this deliverance was real! Cf. 1 Sam. 19:5, 2 Peter 2:9

4. Brought Back From Captivity (1-2)
Laughter and singing
Jubilation at deliverance
When we are delivered from sin, there ought to joy (and a sigh of relief)
There is joy in heaven, Luke 15:7, 10
Rejoicing after one obeys the gospel – Acts 8:39, 16:34

5. Brought Back From Captivity (1-2)
The nations said, “The LORD has done great things for them”
The hand of God was clearly at work! If Babylonian deliverance, consider 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, cf. Isaiah 44:28, 45:1
We ought to live demonstrating to the world how deliverance has changed us – cf. Matt. 5:16

6. “The LORD has done great things for us”
Song – great things (3)
“The LORD has done great things for us”
What the nations notice (about Him), we declare to be so!
Always give God the glory – Romans 11:36, 1 Peter 4:11 1 Corinthians 10:31 “do all to the glory of God”
We are glad – Philippians 4:4, cf. Matt. 5:12, 1 Peter 4:13

7. “The LORD has done great things for us”
Song – Great things (3)
“The LORD has done great things for us”
What the nations notice (about Him), we declare to be so!
Always give God the glory – Romans 11:36, 1 Peter 4:11 1 Corinthians 10:31 “do all to the glory of God”
We are glad – Philippians 4:4, cf. Matt. 5:12, 1 Peter 4:13

8. prayer – Restore us (4)
“Bring back our captivity as the steams of the South”
A realization that they desired full restoration, but it was not yet complete
Example: After the Babylonian captivity – 20 years to build the temple (515 BC), another 60 years to rebuild the city walls (450 BC)
True restoration takes time 2 Peter 1:6, Hebrews 10:36, endurance
Don’t forget to pray – 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30

9. Promise – we sow in tears, we reap in joy (5-6)
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy
As a farmer labors intensely, dealing with obstacles, so to reap a harvest, we must labor
Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, 2 Timothy 2:3, 6
Spiritually, we will face trials and tribulations – don’t quit! 2 Timothy 3:13, 1 Corinthians 15:58

10. Promise – we sow in tears, we reap in joy (5-6)
He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed, shall come rejoicing, bringing his sheaves
Individual application!
Going forth weeping – (the plight of the lost, problems among brethren) does our grieving move us to action?
In the end, we will rejoice Galatians 6:9 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

11. Life is not easy, especially when we have been captive to sin!
But there is deliverance, if you will accept it!