The church at Peytonsville has spent past few months studying the book of Ezra. Here are a few reflections of things we've learned together.
- God has the power to move the heart of kings and political leaders to accomplish His will. We should pray for our president and government to know God and seek His counsel as they rule over us.
- God's people have a name, number, and narrative. The detailed record of people shows God’s knowledge of individuals and families, symbolizing his detailed knowledge of those chosen for salvation.
- The greatest need God's people have is REVIVAL. The story of Ezra about coming home, starting over, coming home, rebuilding God's house (the temple) to exalt His glory. The book lays the blueprint for reviving the Lord's work through unity, worship, leadership, foundation, and heart.
- When God's people work, God's enemy works harder. The temple rebuilding project met opposition and the work stopped. The adversary Satan always has plans to frustrate, discourage, and strike fear into our hearts. Satan will utilize any tactic to oppose God's kingdom.
- The church needs cheerleaders. After a period of inactivity, two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, encouraged resuming the construction of the temple. Today we need both men and women who will vocally and enthusiastically support the Lord's church.
- The rally cry of the church today should sound much like this one... "We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago." In correspondence with the local governor and King Darius, the people make their mission known. May the church’s restoration plea echo with the same passion.
- When the HEART of MAN is set upon God, the HAND of GOD is set upon man. At the end of chapter 7, Ezra was greatly encouraged; not just by the king's support but more so because it was all clear evidence of God's support and blessing. Ezra found great encouragement in knowing that the hand of the LORD was upon him.
- Fasting and prayer have great power before God. Ezra understood the spiritual power of fasting, as a demonstration of our single-minded devotion to God and His cause.
- Sin brings shame upon individuals, families, and nations. The intermarriage of the Israelites with foreign woman was a greivous sin not taken lightly. Ezra was the voice of righteousness in a culture that had become very "accepting" of any marriage. America needs that same voice.
- Study the Word. Do the Word. Teach the Word. Ezra was a master seeker, doer, and teacher. "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." May it be our ambition to do the same. As Christ settlles into our hearts, let us seek the face of God, do His will, and teach all those we can.
We thank God for His faithfulness to us through this Old Testament book filled with teaching and instruction. We pray for HIs blessing and protection and power as we preach His word and build His house, the church for His glory.