Meditation from Ezra Chapter 3
By the end of the chapter two we understand that the returned Israelites began to settle in towns; they have nothing left here and are also in fear of the neighbours (3:3).
The third chapter shows how they responded which is a great lesson to learn to respond to fear, pain & needs.
1. Aligned with God's Purpose : The people followed the leaders who set to build the altar. The leaders did as prescribed in the Word. (3:2)
We need to align ourselves with God's word and His purpose to start with. Unless our life is centered around God's word and His purpose, we have nowhere to begin and everything will seem meaningless.
We need to align ourselves with God's word and His purpose to start with. Unless our life is centered around God's word and His purpose, we have nowhere to begin and everything will seem meaningless.
2. Build the Altar : The very first response of the people of God is to build the altar. (3:2,3). Likewise wherever Abraham went and pitched his tent, he built the altar (Genesis 12:8; 13:18).
Our first response to fear or pain should be to repair & built the altar, that is our spiritual life. So that we can be assured that God is pleased with us & to come closer to Him.
Our first response to fear or pain should be to repair & built the altar, that is our spiritual life. So that we can be assured that God is pleased with us & to come closer to Him.
3. Consistency : After building the altar they sacrificed the regular and freewill offerings. (3:5)
We should not only set right our spiritual life, but grow towards being consistent; where it's not irregular or forced, but regular and out of love for the Lord.
Disciple without discipline is a disaster. Character is formed only thru consistency.
We should not only set right our spiritual life, but grow towards being consistent; where it's not irregular or forced, but regular and out of love for the Lord.
Disciple without discipline is a disaster. Character is formed only thru consistency.
4. Devoted (Priority) : Though the people had just returned and also had the fear of neighbours, they spent their money in building the house of God. (3:7).
Our life needs to be completely devoted to God and we need to prioritise God & God's kingdom works above all.
When the same people became slag in future is when Haggai exhorts that it's time to build God's house & not to build theirs & not to hurry off to their own houses (Haggai 1:4,9).
Our life needs to be completely devoted to God and we need to prioritise God & God's kingdom works above all.
When the same people became slag in future is when Haggai exhorts that it's time to build God's house & not to build theirs & not to hurry off to their own houses (Haggai 1:4,9).
5. Exalt God : At a time when they are surrounded by foes & have nothing the people of God are not crying but praising and thanking God (3:10,11).
We can either meditate our troubles or meditate God's word; either cry about problems or praise God & be grateful.
Most importantly we cannot serve God by crying over the problems, but we need to rejoice in the LORD, praising Him and do His work.
We can either meditate our troubles or meditate God's word; either cry about problems or praise God & be grateful.
Most importantly we cannot serve God by crying over the problems, but we need to rejoice in the LORD, praising Him and do His work.
6. Fondness (or Fear) : Among the people of God, some were weeping and some were shouting aloud for joy. (3:12,13). This wasn't a response because of fear or personal problems, rather their response seeing the foundation being laid to the house of God.
It shows their fondness. When the Lord, His kingdom and His work becomes our fondness, it only will be our cry and joy! God's concern will be our concern and we will rejoice at the works of His kingdom.
It shows their fondness. When the Lord, His kingdom and His work becomes our fondness, it only will be our cry and joy! God's concern will be our concern and we will rejoice at the works of His kingdom.
How are you going to respond? Take a moment to think about what is bothering you & what has filled your mind & heart.
Set right the altar, become consistent, prioritise God & His work, be grateful & praise Him and let God & His kingdom become your fondness!
Set right the altar, become consistent, prioritise God & His work, be grateful & praise Him and let God & His kingdom become your fondness!
Today's Intercession:
# Pray for the ongoing IMPACT seminar of GEMS in Sikaria, Bihar.
# Pray that the pastors, missionaries and all the participants will be exhorted & encouraged in God's kingdom work.
# Pray for the arrangements, organisers, speakers and the sessions to fulfil God's plan & purposes.
Have a blessed day!
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