Book of Ezra

Achievements are simply examples what God can do through someone’s life. The most effective leaders spoken of in the Bible had little awareness of the impact their lives had on others. They were too busy obeying God to keep track of their success. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”(7:10) Ezra accomplished a lot for God; he was a priest, scribe and great leader that lead the second emigration to Jerusalem to teach the people God’s Word and to administer national life. Ezra not only knew God’s word; he studied, believed and obeyed it. Ezra inspired the people to wholeheartedly confess, respect and take action against their sin; something we could all experience God’s healing from. The lessons from Ezra’s life are key to trusting that a person’s willingness to know and practice God’s word will have a direct effect on how God uses his/her life.

There was great opposition in leading the people back to Jerusalem. Enemies of the Jews used deceit to hinder the rebuilding of the temple that severely tested their faith. When we face opposition; and we do all the time, we must not falter or withdraw but keep active and patient. When you face difficult situations and feel surrounded, outnumbered, overpowered, remember that God’s power is not limited to your resources. He is able to use anyone to carry out his plans. God began to move in on the hearts of the leaders, family heads, priests and Levites and gave them the desire to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. When God has a task for you; He gives you supernatural gifts to get it done. Have you ever felt like you accomplished something great and didn’t know how? Major changes begin on the inside as God works on our attitudes, beliefs and desires. The inner changes led to action. Paul said, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13) Doing God’s will begins with your desires in your heart. Are you willing to humble yourself and be open to his opportunities?

Returning to Jerusalem would have meant to give up everything they worked for and start over. Have you ever built something and then had to start over? A relationship? A career? It’s not easy and many times out of fear; paralysis strikes and we miss out on God’s plan because we are overcome with fear. Most people won’t risk losing and starting over; they prefer wealth and security to sacrifice that God’s word demands. We cannot let comfort, security, or material possessions prevent us from doing what God wants. Keep a watchful eye for those who oppose you; others may try to delay, confuse or frustrate us. Proceed with confidence when you stand on solid ground with God. Don’t be sidetracked by intrigues or slander. We may be discouraged by events in life but we must never give up our hope in God’s promises to us. The turning point may be just ahead…

When you follow God, you will experience increased spiritual warfare and opposition; I have experienced this first hand. Evil spiritual forces are always working against God and his people. The opposition may offer compromising alliances, attempt to discourage and intimidate us, or accuse us unjustly. If you expect these tactics, you won’t be halted by them. Move ahead with the work God has planned for you, and trust him to show you how to overcome the obstacles. Discouragement and fear are the two greatest obstacles to completing God’s work and they come on when you least expect them. Discouragement eats away at our motivation and fear paralyzes us so that we won’t act. Have you felt like you were doing a righteous act and had a setback or standstill? They are painful to endure. Leaders should do everything to keep work grinding to a halt; remember than even if circumstance called for a standstill, you still must stand strong in God.

I was in a situation recently where God answered my prayer and it didn’t occur to me until I read this book. When you pray for God’s help; have you considered that God is limitless and infinite in power and can change the attitude of people? His insight and wisdom transcend the laws of human nature. It is important to know that when you do your part; He will do his. Remember what you pray for because if it’s his will be done; he can change the attitude of others.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”(1Peter 4:10) It is important to recognize that although we may thing our talents are for ourselves; it’s never about us, but how God uses us to serve others. Look for opportunities to volunteer; don’t hinder God’s work by holding back.

In the book of Ezra, many of the Israelites had intermarried with pagan spouses. The reason for the opposition to intermarriage was because it is impossible to serve 2 gods, especially in marriage. There is only one God. Such marriages cannot have unity in the most important issue in life: commitment and obedience to God. Marriage involves 2 people becoming one; if there are differences of faith, one person will be led to compromise beliefs for the sake of unity; but the marriage and family will suffer. Don’t allow passion or emotions blind you to the ultimate importance of marrying someone with whom you can be united spiritually.