Over the past several days, Jews have commemorated Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day for those fallen in battle and to the ravages of terrorism) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). Most of us do not live in a situation in which enemies 10X our size want us eliminated. We don’t live under threat of attacks, forcing us to run to bomb shelters to escape the next incoming barrage of rockets.

Israel does. Yet, their final day of remembrance among this trifecta is Independence Day, a day of great joy and celebration. The irony of those specific days of remembrance is always touching to me. Imagine observing Fourth of July in America the day after Memorial Day. What an emotional swing!

Today is Sunday, the day we set aside world events and chaos to focus solely on worship or devotion to the Lord. But today’s worship is a bit different and harkens back to that idea of honoring those lost in battle or in terror attacks. It’s a familiar song but remixed with a focus on Jews returning to the joy of life following the aftermath of October 7. Praise God, despite the hardships, Israel is healing, and God is still bringing them home as he promised!

Enjoy this new version of Zion, commemorating Israel’s return…

Happy Lord’s Day, friends!