Wednesday, November 12, 2008

We're scared! What do we do?

3 Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the Lord each morning and evening.

Ezra 3:3 (NLT)


The book of Ezra tells the story of the Jews as they returned to Jerusalem after the exile. (for those details, read the book, or ask later). The Jewish people returned to a countryside filled with enemies, armed with the permission of the Emperor and their faith in God. The people around them did not want to see Jerusalem rebuilt, the Temple rebuilt, the Jews restored to their land, and came together in opposition. There were many threats, there was legal maneuvering, and there was small scale violence. So what did the Jews do? Did they endorse a political party? Did they organize their army to attack? (note: in Nehemiah, we see that they did prepare for their own defense) Did they file lawsuits?


No. They rebuilt the altar of God, and returned to daily obedience of the sacrifices. That's what they did when afraid. We don't have to offer animal sacrifices, but instead are commanded to take up our cross daily and follow Christ in obedience. Will you follow daily in the obedience God has commanded?

Then we will see His work, see His salvation, His movement among us and the people around us. Let's do that first. Then we can sue whoever is left that God couldn't handle. Which will save a lot on court costs....

Moving toward the Horizon,
Doug

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