Ezra (and one little bit from 2 Chronicles)
(text and notes from the Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, Tyndale 1996)
The LORD, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple. But the people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words. They scoffed at the prophets until the LORD’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.
- 2 Chronicles 36:15-16
God warned Judah about it’s sin and continually restored the people to his favor, only to have them turn away. Eventually the situation was beyond remedy. Beware of harboring sin in your heart. The day will come with remedy is no longer possible and God’s judgment replaces his mercy. Sin often repeated, but never repented of, invites disaster.
--------------------------
Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the LORD. And all their neighbors assisted by giving them articles of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They gave them many valuable gifts in addition to all the voluntary offerings.
- Ezra 1:5-6
Many Jews chose to go to Jerusalem but many more chose to remain in Babylon rather than return to their homeland. The journey back to Jerusalem was difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Travel conditions were poor; Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside were in ruins; and the people living in the area were hostile. Persian records indicate that many Jews in captivity had accumulated great wealth. Returning to Jerusalem would have meant giving up everything they had and starting over. Many people couldn’t bring themselves to do that; they preferred wealth and security to the sacrifice that God’s work would require. Their priorities were upside down (Mark 4:18, 19). We must not let our comfort, security or material possessions prevent us from doing what God wants.
--------------------------
When they arrived at the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the family leaders made voluntary offerings toward the rebuilding of God’s Temple on its original site, and each leader gave as much as he could. The total of their gifts came to 61,000 gold coins, 6,250 pounds of silver, and 100 robes for the priests.
- Ezra 2:68-69
As the Temple reconstruction progressed, everyone contributed freewill offerings according to his or her ability. Some were able to give huge gifts and did so generously. Everyone’s effort and cooperation were required, and the people gave as much as they could. Often we limit our giving to 10 percent of our income. The Bible, however, emphasizes that we should give from the heart ALL that we are able (2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:6). Let your gift be decided by God’s call to give generously, not by the amount you have left over.
--------------------------
They also offered the regular burnt offerings and the offerings required for the new moon celebrations and the annual festivals as prescribed by the LORD. The people also gave voluntary offerings to the LORD.
- Ezra 3:5
Almost immediately after arriving in the new land, the returning exiles built an altar. The people began worshipping God through sacrifices even before the Temple foundation was laid. After many years in captivity, they had learned their lesson –they knew that God does not offer special protection to people who ignore him. They had been carried off by the Babylonians when they were relatively strong; here they were few, weak, and surrounded by enemies. If ever they needed to rely on God’s power, it was at this time. They realized the importance of obeying God from the heart, and not merely out of habit. If we want God’s help when we undertake large tasks, we must make staying close to him our top priority.
--------------------------
But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy.
- Ezra 3:12
Fifty years after its destruction , the Temple was being rebuilt. Some of the older people remembered Solomon’s Temple, and they wept because the new Temple would not be as glorious as the first one. But the beauty of the building was not nearly as important to God as were the attitudes of the builders and worshipers. God cares more about who we are than what we accomplish. Our world is always changing, and once-magnificent accomplishments decay and disappear. Seek to serve God wholeheartedly. Then you won’t need to compare your work with anyone else’s.
--------------------------
The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel. So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.”
But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”
Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.
Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
- Ezra 4:1-6
Believers can expect opposition when they do God’s work (2 Timothy 3:12). Unbelievers and evil spiritual forces are always working against God and his people. The opposition may offer compromising alliances (4:2), attempt to discourage and intimidate (4:4-5), or accuse us unjustly (4:6). If you expect these tactics, you won’t be hindered by them. Move ahead with the work God has planned for you, and trust him to show you how to overcome these obstacles.
--------------------------
Praise the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem!
- Ezra 7:27
In Ezra’s doxology, he acknowledges that God “made the king want to beautify the Temple.” God can change a king’s heart (see Proverbs 21:1). When we face life’s challenges, we often must work diligently and with extraordinary effort, realizing that God oversees all our work. Recognize his hand in your success, and remember to praise him for his help and protection.
--------------------------
I assembled the exiles at the Ahava Canal, and we camped there for three days while I went over the lists of the people and the priests who had arrived. I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along.
- Ezra 8:15
Ezra’s progress back to Jerusalem was halted while he waited to recruit Levites. God had called these men to a special service, and yet few were willing to volunteer when their services were needed. God has gifted each of us with abilities so we can make a contribution to his kingdom work (Romans 12:4-8). Don’t wait to be recruited, but look for opportunities to volunteer. Don’t hinder God’s work by holding back. “God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” (1 Peter 4:10)
--------------------------
Let us now make a covenant with our God to divorce our pagan wives and to send them away with their children. We will follow the advice given by you and by the others who respect the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law of God. Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”
- Ezra 10:3-4
Following Ezra’s earnest prayer, the people confessed their sin to God. Then they asked for direction in restoring their relationship with God. True repentance does not end with words of confession – that would be mere lip service. It must lead to changed attitudes and behavior. When you sin and are truly sorry, confess this to God, ask his forgiveness, and accept his grace and mercy. Then, as an act of thankfulness for your forgiveness, make the needed corrections.
--------------------------
So now confess your sin to the LORD, the God of your ancestors, and do what he demands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.
- Ezra 10:11
As believers in Christ, all our sins are forgiven. His death cleansed us from all sin. Why do we then still confess our sins? Confession is more than appropriating Christ’s forgiveness for what we have done wrong. Confession is agreeing with God that our thoughts, words, and actions are wrong and contrary to his will. It is recommitting ourselves to do his will and renouncing any acts of disobedience. We do not have to confess sins that were previously confessed. Confession involves turning away from all known sin and asking God for fresh power to live for him.
No comments:
Post a Comment