Ezra 1:1-11
Reflect
Yes, today’s passage sounds a whole lot like yesterday’s. This bridge passage carries from Chronicles in Ezra. The story of God’s people continues.
Breathtakingly, King Cyrus aligns with God’s chosen people and proclaims that after 70 years of being in bondage, they are now free to return to rebuild their land.
Subtly in verse 5, we read who is called to return. Those whose spirit God has stirred! Don’t miss how powerful that is. This is spoken to people that have been weighed down for many years, horrifically afflicted and robbed of their possessions, including their dignity.
These people have strained to find some sliver of hope for many years. By now, they have become accustomed to the “new normal” and have settled for mediocrity. But God! God desires for His temple to be restored. It’s time!
Today God is doing a new thing. God continues to stir the hearts of people to have the temple rebuilt. The temple is no longer made of bricks and mortar. The prized possessions are no longer gems as trivial as silver and gold. We are the temple of God, and the treasures are the gifts of love that He has entrusted to us.
Apply
Are you open to being stirred in your spirit? Will you go to serve the rebuilding of the torn down people that have been stripped of their dignity, for the glory of God? Let’s talk!
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.