I read the book of Ezra for the first time a month or two ago and I fell in love! This book has so many hidden gems and I just wanted to share some that I found. This post is by no means extensive, so I hope you go and read it for yourself too. Enjoy and be blessed!
Chapter 3:
The people here are so inspiring, despite their fear, they did what they knew to be right. They did not wait for the fear to disappear, they did not hide, they pushed through.
Around verse 6 we also see the people bringing their offerings to the temple even though the foundation hadn’t yet been laid. Many a time we find excuses and reasons to not give God His due. What I learnt from this is to let NOTHING stop your offering. Your environment, life or circumstance etc may not be perfect but give that offering. Whether it be praise, worship or acts of kindness. Give it.
Towards the end of the chapter, we read that some people are reminiscing about the former glory. Therefore they are unable to enjoy the new thing that God is doing among them. How many times have we thought about “the good old days” and become miserable because the here and now doesn’t seem as good? Stop! Comparison is a well known thief of joy, don’t let it in.
Chapter 4:
The enemies of the people heard they were doing something wonderful and decided to try and trick them. Deceptively posing as well wishers wanting to help. The family heads were discerning and knew that its not everybody that must be a part of the great work they were doing. Their enemies were frustrated by this and set out to discourage the people from their great work. Frustrate the devil with your unwavering obedience.
Be alert, the devil (our true enemy) has many ways of hindering the great work of God in our lives if we let him. When you are feeling discouraged or even being discouraged, hold on to the truth that “he that started a great work will surely complete it.”
Do not for a moment think that because its not easy, God isn’t involved. That is a lie. There will be opposition, but with God, we are more than well equipped to face and overcome.
Chapter 6:
Being ceremonially clean, doing things which look right, do not make us pure. Pursuing purity, pursuing God does that.
Are we willing to separate ourselves from the world and its distractions to seek God? Or are we clinging to our “foreign wives” and their seductive appeal?
Chapter 7:
Ezra was a teacher AND well versed in the law. Being gifted to teach does not make us well versed automatically. We must study to show ourselves approved. We see that Ezra was favoured because “the hand of the Lord” was upon him. This was in part or fully because Ezra was devoted to observance and study of the law. He did not do one and not the other. Again we see the clear importance of study. The book of Joshua talks about the book of the law not departing from us and the success in store because of this. I believe Ezra was a living example of this truth.
“Whatever the God of heaven prescribes, let it be done with diligence.” Do we diligently follow the Lords prescription?
Ezra was relied upon because he was known to be wise. What are we known for? Can we be relied upon?
Ezra 8:
Fasting is a time of humility before God, a time to ask for your heart’s desire. I’ve heard stories of people feeling guilty about using fasting in this way. Do not let the devil in! As long as you don’t think you can bribe/blackmail God, fasting is an excellent way of putting forth your petition. Verse 23 “so we fasted and petitioned our God about this and he answered our prayers.”
Be confident in the Lord at all times, even when things seem shakey, pray without ceasing.
Ezra 9:
There are some areas of our lives where we simply can’t afford to be lax. This is because we will not be strong enough for the battle since we did not train and discipline ourselves. Our strength comes from God, being engrossed in what is not of Him means defeat.
Ezra 10:
How have we become unfaithful and married ourselves to the things of this world?
Wise and supportive people are invaluable in this battle with our flesh and sin.
Confess your sin and do His will. “Separate yourself from the people around you and from your foreign wives”
We are all tempted and enticed but what is important is what we do after. Will we put away our “foreign wives” or will we cling to them and oppose anyone who even suggests such a thing?