The Book of Ezra opens with a much different tune than the other prophets we have read. Seventy years of exile are finally over. God stirs King Cyrus’s heart to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem and to let those Jews who desire to leave for their homeland go. In all this, God shows Himself faithful to His Word (Ezra 1:1, 5).
The following stood out as I meditated on chapters 1-3 in today’s reading. In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose. Then Jeshua son of Jehozadak joined his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel with his family in rebuilding the altar of the God of Israel. They wanted to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as instructed in the Law of Moses, the man of God. (Ezra 3:1–2, NLT) The Bible says all the people had a unified purpose and desire. In unity, they purposed to rebuild the altar of the Lord, and they wanted to offer sacrifices to Him! Yes, God’s people have a different tune from seventy years earlier. Over the last seventy years, God’s chastening work in His people has completely realigned their hearts (Ezra 3:10–11)!
I am reminded of the following in Hebrews…But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:10–11, NLT) Sometimes, God, being the good Heavenly Father that He is, must change our tune so that, like His people of old, we too might experience the peaceful harvest of right living. Right living is peaceful living, and peaceful living has the distinct tune of praise, joy, and holiness. That’s our loving Heavenly Father—For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6, ESV) As believers, let us embrace this expression of God’s love and not faint when He brings about this peaceful fruit of right living in our lives.
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Ezra 1-3.