http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%201-3&version=NIV
Today we begin the book of Ezra. While it may seem we are going backward, chronologically, we are exactly where we need to be. I'd like to share the blurb from my study Bible about God's grace as exhibited in Ezra because I like what it says as it gives us a good overview:
"Ezra exhibits God's grace by showing how God fulfills his pledge to return his people to the land of promise after years of exile. Zerubbabel leads the first return (ch. 1-6), to rebuild the temple; Ezra is the leader of the second return (ch. 7-10), to rebuild the spiritual condition of the people. A gap of almost 60 years separates the two returns, during which time Esther lives and rules as queen in Persia. The Messianic promises are kept alive because they are connected with Bethlehem, where Jesus will be born (Mic. 5:2). The restoration of the temple signifies the continuation of God's presence through his grace, and is essential to a revitalized worship."
Now, with that overview in mind, I want to share a couple of things that jumped out at me that are evidence of God's grace, love, power, and involvement in the lives of his people. We would be wise to note these examples in scripture and know that he can and does do the same in our lives today.
The first thing that touched me is right at the beginning. Ezra 1:1 tells us that "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation through his realm and to put it into writing." What God moved in the kings heart to proclaim was that he was to build a temple to him in Jerusalem. Now mind you, the king is not a Christian, which makes this proclamation that much more astounding. The application here is first, that God keeps his word. Second, God can move and speak to any heart - Christian or not. And lastly, he can move even a non-Christian to show favor to his people. God promises to lead you and protect you and he will. He can go before you and speak to hearts of both Christians and non-Christians alike to show you favor because you are his chosen one. Know that and believe that. He does it for Ezra, for Esther, and many others. He will do the same for you.
The other thing that touched me comes at the end of today's reading. I was moved by the people's response to the laying of the foundation of the temple. Some shouted aloud with Joy. Others (the priests) wept. I am certain I'd be moved to do both at this great display of God's mercy that he would bring his people back to this place, allow them to rebuild, and again to worship him. I believe every soul experiences both weeping and great joy when God restores it, takes up residence there, and allows the individual to again be used for his purpose. Yes, God's grace is so evident in Ezra. Even more so, it is evident in your life and mine. May we both weep at our own lack of righteousness and shout for joy at God's amazing grace.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
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The natural and supernatural
ReplyDeleteNotice it was God's will for them to return yet we don't see God using showing up to build the 2nd temple.
God opens the doors, gives favor, directs the hearts of unbelievers and gives us courage and strength but the Lord expects us to get out and do the work. We sweat, take chances, go forth and accomplish the work at hand. We do our part and God does His. Don't expect God to do our part lest we just sit idly by waiting on God who isn't going to do it for us.