Returning to God
Returning to God
They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings for the morning and evening on it to the Lord even though they feared the surrounding peoples. (Ezra 3:3)
The Trip Down
Most of us could point to periods in our lives when we weren’t walking closely with God or seeking His will. Perhaps you or someone you care about is there right now. Well, thankfully, in the book of Ezra, God gives us an open invitation to return to Him and a neat biblical model for spiritual restoration. Ezra tells the story of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem after being exiled to Babylon a generation or two earlier. They had been taken captive because they had perpetually disobeyed God’s commands, living life to please themselves rather than walking closely with God.
The First Step Up
Most certainly there was much work for the Jews to do when they arrived. We might imagine the excitement and eagerness they felt to rebuild their homes, their businesses, and their city. But instead, what we see them do first is rebuild the altar. The altar was where the Jews confessed their sins, offered thanks, and prayed. In other words, it was their central point of communication with God.
Likewise for us, restoring our communication with God must be our highest priority. Before serving in the church, signing up for a men’s group, or doing some other activity, we must restore our direct, personal, ongoing communication with God. Our spiritual vitality depends on it. Real prayer, real relationship with God, must be our primary objective. The rest is secondary.
Bottom Line
Returning to God starts with restoring our prayer life.