Nehemiah 1 [The Message]

Both Ezra and Nehemiah carried a spiritual burden for the nation of Israel. Both wept and fasted over the sinful condition and destruction of the City of God, Jerusalem. Their contrition affected their fellow countrymen. They were leaders by rank, position, and example. They both grieved greatly, and then did something about it. Ezra was a great teacher. Nehemiah was a great organizer. They used their gifts to bring about revival and restoration to the city and people they both loved. Two righteous men assumed the grief incurred by their unrighteous fellow countrymen.

OUR NATION is likewise in a state of severe spiritual disrepair. As Christians who stand not in our own righteousness, but in the Righteousness of Christ our King, we too can grieve and assume the burden for our nation.

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. [2 Chron. 7:14]

Ezra 9, 10 [The Message]

Ezra is the classic Biblical example of grieving over sin. Because of how Israel had been cross-polluted by the evil practices of the neighboring cultures, he lay prostrate in front of the Temple, openly weeping in grief. He attracted others who joined him in weeping and confessing sin. His repentance actually led to a mighty revival among the Israelites.

Nowadays, people usually justify their sin, or casually allow it to destroy them and their families with progressive decay. Of note is the way he treated his fellow countrymen … HE repented for THEIR sin … he took upon himself the pain of those around him. Sound like anyOne else we know of?

Ezra 8 [The Message]

Ezra required fasting of the priests preparing to do their service in the new Temple. He was a scripture scholar and understood the value of fasting in spiritual matters.

My grandson will be serving as a counsellor at a Christian youth camp this summer. The leadership is requiring that prospective counselors participate in a phone meeting this week. They are also requiring that each participant fast for 24hours leading up to the call. When I heard that, I thought, “This will be good for him.” He’s learning. God is getting him ready for a life of Christian service. Nothing could make me happier.

Ezra 5-7 [The Message]

Ezra had been such a quality servant of Kong Artaxerxes who saw God’s hand upon him, that he awarded a very generous letter of recommendation to Ezra to go back to Jerusalem and finish the rebuilding of the Temple. Ezra couldn’t have asked for more. God’s favor was evident.

As we live our lives with purpose and integrity, God’s favor can likewise be realized in our walk. Also, if we can know and master God’s Word similar to Ezra, opportunities to impact the world for Christ may very well be put in our lap.

I’ve always been impressed with Billy Graham’s rapport with the U.S. presidents. God’s favor was always evident in his life.

Ezra 4 [The Message]

What made the Israelites GLAD made others MAD.

After King Cyrus had authorized and bankrolled the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, there was serious resistance to the progress. (Whenever God is building something, the devil will try to thwart it.) The setback was only temporary as the new King Darius in Babylon re-authorized the rebuilding. The Temple was eventually completed and given a glorious dedication.

For sure, there will be resistance if you’re doing something for God. Expect it, but DO NOT BE DETERRED. God will faithfully come through for you. Stay true to His vision. If you must, wait prayerfully until you witness His power turning back the resistance so you can continue the work for Him.

“In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33]

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.

2 Chron. 35, 36 [The Message]

Sadly, there was a rapid succession of evil kings who followed Josiah in Judah. Nebuchadnezzar had taken control of Judah and set up puppet kings to rule under his thumb.

A puppet leader is a leader in name only. Someone else is pulling the strings. For whatever reason, this happens even today. What you see as a leader is not really what you’re getting. They are tools of someone else’s power.

God, however, rules over all. While the puppet king Zedekiah ruled Judah, God was actually giving the land a sabbath rest just as Jeremiah had prophesied. Although he wasn’t really in power, God was simultaneously accomplishing His Purposes in the land.

We may have our own theories about who is running our country, BUT GOD is having His way all the time. Don’t worry. Pray. Trust God.

2 Chron. 34 [The Message]

Today’s reading brought back a memory to me. May I share it?

Good King Josiah nobly ordered the Temple remodeled and shaped up to give God their best. The Levitical musicians even got their hands dirty and got involved with the project.

In the 70s, I was Minister of Music at Hope Temple in Findlay, Ohio. We were building a new sanctuary that would seat nearly 2000. I had experience doing painting and staining. I willingly worked my tail off painting the entire building with some helpers. It was a big labor of love for all involved. I respect church musicians who are not afraid to do some work and get their hands dirty. The church members take note and say, “He really believes in what we’re doing.”

Sadly, that building burned down in an hour in 1986. We all have some great memories though.

John 7:53-8:11 n [The Message]

Today we take a little NT break and focus on a passage/event from the Life of Christ.

Although this passage is noted as missing from the earliest Greek manuscripts of the NT, it includes some concepts that seem to be part of our understanding of Christ’s ability to forgive sin. It’s about the woman taken in the act of adultery … possibly Mary the sister of Lazarus …and how Jesus diverted the shame-aim from her to her accusers. He wrote in the dirt while the pious religious leaders taunted Him about what should be done to her. Jesus said, “Whoever of you is without sin, cast the first stone.”

He went on to announce to them that HE was the Light of Life. Was He focusing His Light upon their sin, maybe exposing them in the writing in the dirt?

Nothing is hidden from Christ’s Spiritual Searchlight. All is exposed. WE hide. He exposes. His exposure is not intended to destroy us but to eliminate through forgiveness the sins which so easily beset us.

He said, “Walk in the Light as I am in the Light.” [1 John 1:7]

2 Chron. 33 [The Message]

King Manasseh ruled Judah for 55 years, much of which was a disastrous reign. He did evil in the sight of God. However, after being hauled off in captivity to Babylon, he turned to the Lord in prayer and total repentance. Mercifully, God heard his prayer and restored him to his throne where he spent the rest of his days more uprightly. He purged the city and Temple of the idol worship images he had instituted.

At any time in the life of a sinner, one can turn to God and repent. There’s mercy at the altar for all. Total repentance involves acknowledgement of sin, confessing it, and turning one’s behavior around 180 degrees. Jesus said to the woman caught in the act of adultery, “Go and sin no more.”