SUNDAY January 29, 2017
Prepare for Reform
And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. - Ezra 7:8-10
The Prophet Habakkuk is concerned because he cannot see anything happening in retribution for the sins of God’s people (Habakkuk 1:1-4). God told him that Chaldeans from Babylon (Habakkuk 1:6-11) were going to invade as an instrument of God’s chastisement and fulfill His purposes. Habakkuk went up into the watchtower to see what God was going to do (Habakkuk 2:1).
In Ezra 1-6 the Jewish captives returned to the land of Israel. God then raised up Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses to help bring reform to the people (Ezra 7-10). Artaxerxes king of Persia granted Ezra leave. Before setting out to accomplish this great work for the Lord, we see Ezra as a man who first prepared his heart and sought the Lord. The hand of the Lord was upon Ezra, he continued his ministry for about thirty years. He continued his ministry alongside Nehemiah who had arrived to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Ezra relied on the Lord and was able to accomplish God’s will.
Ezra’s character is a good role model for husbands and fathers. Is your home in need of spiritual reform? Men, as the spiritual leaders of their homes must prepare their hearts to seek the Lord. Then God can use a husbands and fathers to make spiritual reforms in their own homes. God will enable them to minister to their wives and teach their children God’s Word. Then they can also become great role models for others to follow. When should they begin to reform? Why wait? Like Ezra, just do it!
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
~Jeremiah 29:13~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!