Ovecoming Hardships

O. T. #1012  "Overcoming Hardships"
June 27, 2017
Ezra  3
This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:"Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit," says the LORD of Host.  Zechariah 4:6

LET IT GLOW

Come to think of it, we don't read about the hardships and difficulties the Jews encountered while making the 900 mile journey to their homeland. Were there enemies and wild animals and hot weather to encounter? It took about 4 months for them to make it, but make it the did. Anyone going through any hardships in their current situation? Sometimes the worst of all is discouragement, so we need to stay in God's Word.
It was God's Spirit that took those Jews out of captivity into freedom. since we worship the same God, can He do the same for us?

Who was this Zerubbabel that lead the first group of Jews back to their homeland?

• His Hebrew name was Shashbazar.
• King Cyrus appointed him as the governor of the Jewish settlement in Palestine.
• He was a descendant of David according to Matthew 1:12.
• Zerubbabel was an ancestor of Christ.
• His name means "Born in Babylon."
• Zechariah had a vision about him in chapter 42 .
• Haggai prophesied to him chapters 1 and 2 of his book.
• He completed there building of God's Temple.
• He showed wisdom as he accepted and refused help.
• Zerubbabel started his building project with worship as the focal point.

Are we willing to give up all in order to be a leader in God's kingdom work?

LET IT GROW

The journey for the returning Jews took them about 4 months to travel 900 miles. There were 42,60 returning. They pressed on through the hardships and overcame difficulties. There were among that group some people who could not prove their Jewish origin. Although they were allowed to return to Jerusalem, they were never granted the right of citizenship. They are not listed in chapter 10.

The returnees were bound together by the Spirit of God for three great purposes:

1. to restore worship of the LORD;
2. to rebuild His Temple;
3. to rebuild their nation.  (The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible)

Can you imagine the excitement and humility of this faithful group of Jews walked by faith with a purpose? Did they discuss the preparations for the Temple, their feasts to celebrate, homes, city, the clearing and cultivating for crops, and the water supply?

LET IT GO

Trust in Jesus though the hard times.

Keep praying for our nation, our Christian brothers and sisters, and our church.