Well Good Morning. On the way back from the gym (yes, gym) I listened to a story by a man who struggled with his relationship with God. It felt like me, then upon returning home I prayed and God laid on my heart the book of Ezra. Why? I don't know, but that is what I'll study these next few weeks.
Who was Ezra? A priest, a scribe, and a great leader. The name Ezra means "help". Ezra was one who believed God's word and then obeyed it. We will learn more about Ezra as we go along.
Just a preface on this book straight from my life application Bible. After 70 years in exile, the captives from Judah were allowed to return to their homeland. Nearly 50,000 people made this journey. Upon arrival they began to rebuild the Temple, but became discouraged by opposition. After encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah, they returned to the task and completed the Temple. The message of the prophets still speaks to us today, encouraging us to continue building up God's church.
Ezra 1: 1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
NOTE: Cyrus was not a servant of Yahweh, but he was used by God to return the Jews to their homeland. When Cyrus conquered a land he was merciful to the inhabitants. Now he is giving an order to fulfill the words of the prophet Jeremiah.
2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”
Okay, the first line, remember, Cyrus is not a believer and he says: the God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and appointed me to build a temple. Where: In Judah at Jerusalem. This allowed the exiled Jews to return to their homeland after 70 years in exile. Cyrus gave them protection, money, and the temple items Nebuchadnezzar had taken.
His proclamation provided several things. First the Jews can work together to rebuild the Temple, some man the supply lines, some leading and others providing support.
Each person is asked to serve in some capacity, no matter how large or small a task, to work as team members and let the LORD get the credit, not individuals.
This is what we are asked to do in our local assemblies: be a team member, worry not about getting credit, just do what God has asked you to do. But most of all, enjoy being in service to God and being a child of the LIVING GOD!!!!
More tomorrow. Love y'all! Thank you for reading.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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