A Good Word

O. T. #1,010 "A Good Word"
June 23, 2017
Ezra 1
For thus saith the LORD: That after seventy years  be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.  Jeremiah 29:10

LET IT GLOW

Do you feel outnumbered, overpowered, outclassed? Anyone need a good word today? For sure! The Jews received it after being in captivity for 70 years, so why can't we?

Judah, after 70 years living in another country of Babylon as slaves, gets released. Here is a future and a hope for the Jews, which is given by their God: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.


Aren't we encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead; one who believes we can do the task he has given; one who will be with us through it all and all the way? God is that kind of leader. After all, He knows the future, has good plans for us, and gives us a hope. When He provides the agenda, is with us to fulfill the mission, then we can have boundless hope. God will see us through to a glorious conclusion, in spite of pain, sufferings, or hardships we encounter.

Cyrus made a decree proclaiming that the nation of Judah could return to their land. The will of the Lord was fulfilled in that act. Cyrus is a type of Christ.
In John 14, Jesus tells us that He has gone to prepare a place for us; He will come again; He will receive us unto Himself, that where He is we may be also. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the heavenly Father except by Him.

Are you prepared for an expected end-death? Our end can be only the beginning of life eternal with Jesus, if we have made the preparation. Are others prepared for that day?

LET IT GROW

Here are some questions about this passage:

• Who charged (commanded) Cyrus to build a house, a Temple at Jerusalem? God did it.
• Who may go and complete this task? Those who were God's people.
• Who should be allowed to support them? Their neighbors contributed toward their expenses with gold and silver, supplies for the journey, and livestock, as well as a voluntary offering for the Temple of God in Jerusalem. (verse 2)
• Whose hearts did God stir up for the task? Priests and Levites and leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were stirred to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the LORD. (verse 3)

Did we notice that King Cyrus did not command the Jews to go to Jerusalem, but he granted them permission to go up? He gave them protection, money, and the temple articles taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

Life Application Study Bible reminds us: "When you face difficult situations and feel surrounded, outnumbered, overpowered, or outclassed, remember that God's power is not limited to your resources. He is able to use anyone to carry out His plans."

When it is for His glory, it will be accomplished. David confronted a giant with only a stone and a sling. Daniel faced a den of lions. Three Hebrews were thrown into a fire. All were successful. Do we serve the same God?

LET IT GO

Say yes when God stirs my heart to do a task for Him.

Support others in their tasks.

God is the One who outnumbers, overpowers, and outclasses.