Read Ezra 1:5-11
Those returning from exile to rebuild the temple will not be empty-handed. God continues to stir the people into action. Cyrus, the Persian king, was certainly doing his part to help facilitate the good will called for in his proclamation from our last reading. Isn’t it something that God knew Cyrus by name before he was even born when the prophet, Isaiah, spoke of this moment in history? (See Isaiah 44:28)
God orchestrates this whole process. How does that make you feel? One minute the people are living their normal lives and the next some are packing up to move back to their homeland. When I think about seventy years, that’s a long time to get comfortable in the land of exile. Those being stirred by God in today’s reading have likely never even seen Jerusalem.
I was also surprised that the items Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the LORD’s Temple were still intact, and that Cyrus was willing to part with them. God had really stirred his heart. Can you imagine 5,400 items of gold and silver? We can all get a glimpse at the majesty of the original temple!
Here’s something to ponder. Do you think if God had not stirred in his people that they would have willingly returned based on Cyrus’ proclamation? Had too much time passed for them to be anxious to leave the familiar surroundings only to return to a heap of rubble and start over?
It makes me think of how God is moving among us today. Have you ever felt God stirring in your heart? I’ve often heard people say, “God told me to,” or “I felt led by the Spirit to do that.” The same God who knew he would use Cyrus one day and stirred in the Israelites to rebuild the temple, is stirring in you and me. We have a job to do, too.
Many times, we receive a message from God and don’t recognize it or don’t feel like we can obey for one reason or another. We are good at making excuses to stay where it’s comfortable. How do we expect to grow in our faith or draw closer to God if we ignore his promptings?
If God is calling you toward something, he will certainly see that you have all that you need to accomplish his will. The going may not always be smooth. I’m guessing we’re going to see examples of that along the way in Ezra during this restoration process. What we need to remember is God is with us in our mess. He never abandons us as we try to find our way, or should I say, find his way!
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when my attention is not fully on you. I know those are times I struggle with weakness and uncertainty. Help me to stay focused on you and invite you into each conversation, decision, and event in my day. I love it when you stir in my heart and move me to action. Help me to pay better attention to be listening for your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
