Even today, with professional help readily available, moving to a new home is a big deal. Cross-country moves can be logistical nightmares, not to mention international moves. In Ezra 1:5–6, we see God’s people begin the long journey from Persia back to Jerusalem.
Cyrus’s decree (see 1:2–4) ended by commanding the non-Hebrew people “to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem” (v. 4). Verse 6 records the obedience of these people: “All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings.” This series of events reminds us of the exodus, when God’s people “plundered” the Egyptians, who loaded them with goods as they departed after the fateful Passover. God had rescued His people before, and here He does it again! If God has called you to do something, rest assured that He will give you the means to obey. Just as He was throughout Scripture, He will continue to be faithful today. As the Scriptures say, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
Verse 5 states that the “family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.” Notice a few things. First, the family heads were responsible to lead their families in obeying the Lord. Second, the priest and Levites, who were responsible for leading Israel in worship and keeping the Torah, led the nation in obeying the Lord. And third, pay special attention to that part in the middle: God moved their hearts. This pattern holds true today.
Go Deeper
How is the Lord moving your heart today? Do you trust that He will provide you with all you need, just as He has provided so many times before?
Pray with Us
Dear Jesus, what are You calling us to do with our lives? Please reveal to us the work that You have prepared for us and move our hearts to obey.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.Hebrews 13:8
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