Ezra 1-3 [The Message]

After their seventy-year exile into Babylon, Ezra led a 50,000 member entourage of Israelites back to Jerusalem to restore their civilization and worship. Having been in captivity and repressed by a foreign culture, they were surely cautious about making waves in their newfound freedom. Yet, Ezra records that they began burnt offerings again, ignoring their fear of what non-Israelite nations would say or think. They exhibited a boldness and desperation for God’s presence in their homeland again and ignored whatever apprehensions they possessed.

Daniel displayed this same grit as he ignored the threats of his despisers and kept up his routine of praying three times a day to the Lord. Even though he was cast into the den of lions, God preserved his life. Paul and Silas boldly and fearlessly lifted up their voices in prayer and praise at midnight in the jail at Philippi , after having been beaten and chained in stocks. Their faith was rewarded with an earthquake that shook them free. Peter and the disciples were severely threatened by Jerusalem’s religious leaders not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

It seems that persecution of Christians is again amping up in our society. God help us to be bold and fearless in practicing and sharing our faith.