Signs of Returning to God
Meditation from Ezra Chapter 1
The book of Ezra chronicles the returning of the people from captivity to Jerusalem. The first chapter shows the characters or signs of the people who return to the Lord and His work.
1. Spirit Led : The Spirit of God wants to stir the hearts of everyone but only a few respond, they are the Spirit led. (1:5)
We are sensitive, but our sensitivity is misplaced. We are sensitive to the words of people & we get easily offended. But we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, to God's voice.
If we are flesh-led, our physical ears will be sensitive to people's words, but if we are Spirit-led, our spiritual ears will be sensitive to Spirit's words and we will obey God.
We are sensitive, but our sensitivity is misplaced. We are sensitive to the words of people & we get easily offended. But we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, to God's voice.
If we are flesh-led, our physical ears will be sensitive to people's words, but if we are Spirit-led, our spiritual ears will be sensitive to Spirit's words and we will obey God.
2. Sincere & Faithful : When King Cyrus gives the order for the Israelites to return, he also gives in their charge the vessels & possessions of the Temple. The things weren't just given away, but a proper inventory was made and given to responsible people. (1:8-10)
God is looking for sincere & faithful people, who are not careless, but careful & sincere in work and in every small or big responsibility.
God is looking for sincere & faithful people, who are not careless, but careful & sincere in work and in every small or big responsibility.
3. Sacrificial : Though the Israelites returned back in three groups to Jerusalem right after the end of 70 years, only a few returned. They became so comfortable in captivity that they didn't want to leave its comfort. Returning back meant sacrifice!
The pleasure of sin or the comfort of the world stops many people from returning to the Lord and to partake in His kingdom works.
If we look at the sacrifice of the Saviour, no sacrifice that we do will seem great or demanding!
The pleasure of sin or the comfort of the world stops many people from returning to the Lord and to partake in His kingdom works.
If we look at the sacrifice of the Saviour, no sacrifice that we do will seem great or demanding!
When there arose these few people who are Spirit-led, sincere & sacrificial, the gentiles around, including the people in authority, gave freewill offerings for house of God. When we come to the right place of heart, the Lord will stir the hearts of people around to assist us in His work.
Today's Intercession:
# Pray for the people who are participating in the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad being conducted from 15 Jan to 4 March 2019.
# Pray for the people to come to knowledge of the Truth & true Salvation.
# Pray for the people to get an opportunity to hear the Gospel.
Have a blessed day!
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