Dear Global Christian Warriors,
Our friend Ian in California has another excellent teaching based on Ezra's obedience to God's call, and how Ezra used repentance to bless the assignment:
Why should we repent? The best answer is that God wants us to so that we don't waste our time here on Earth. If you need a biblical example of the power of repentance, look no farther than the book of Ezra. In Ezra chapter 7, Ezra, having set his heart to do God’s will, requested of King Artaxerxes the silver and gold required to finish rebuilding the temple, the items taken from Jerusalem temple to be returned, and to bring those needed for service in the temple back to Jerusalem. The king granted all of Ezra’s requests because Ezra was doing God’s will.
In chapter 8, Ezra has gathered the people and resources requested from Artaxerxes with God’s support. Now, he is faced with a dilemma. Ezra has spoken boldly in front of the king that God will look after these travelers so is without an escort. If ever a group needed an escort, this group of dancers, singers and priests transporting gold and silver was it. Instead of going back to the king to ask for more, Ezra declared a fast and asked God for help. Despite being laden with great treasures and travelling roads known for thieves and brigands, Ezra’s group arrives at Jerusalem and delivers all of what they brought into the temple there.
There are a number of lessons we can take away from these two chapters of a small book at the back of the Old Testament. One thing that stands out is that we have a man who has decided to seek God and to do God’s will. Ezra isn’t asking for the winning lottery numbers or great fame for himself. Instead, he wants to serve God. What does God do? He sends Ezra to ask the king for hundreds of talents of gold and silver and whosoever is needed to provide service in the temple at Jerusalem. In modern terms, this would be like walking into the President Biden’s office and asking to take the gold from Fort Knox by boat along the Somali coast without a naval escort to a foreign land. Back in the day, the king could have you imprisoned, tortured or killed for making such a request. If someone tried this today, the worst that would happen is a ‘no’ or some embarrassment on the internet. Imagine the courage it took for Ezra to take this mission. Ezra’s example for us here is one of courage and standing up for God. Like the old saying “You’d better be careful what you wish for”, Ezra asked big with a single-minded focus on doing what God asked. God delivered.
The important takeaway here is not that God intervened on Ezra’s behalf. God can do anything if it is His will to do so. Rather, we see that Ezra first chose God and then acted according to God’s commands. He didn’t quibble, object or doubt (like Moses and Jonah amongst others). Ezra just got after it. Ezra asks to do God’s will. God gives Ezra a big job. Ezra asks for help along the way. God delivers Ezra and his group successfully despite great danger. Ezra even gets everyone to fast and repent to assure they are protected on the journey. This last bit is remarkable because I would not have thought repenting WHILE doing God’s work would be necessary. Ezra shows us that repentance is needed no matter what you are doing or for whom. God pays special attention where there is fasting (ritual) accompanied by repentance (rightness of heart). (See Morgan and others).
As I read these chapters again and again, I find I am better able to see similarities and differences in the stories that God has given us to help us understand how we can be successful. Old or New Testament, there is much that can be learned by studying the Bible. Doing that work enables you to know God’s will. When someone tells you something is biblical, you can know if it is or is not. So many people borrow, twist and distort God’s teachings for their own ends. Read the Bible. Then read it again and again and again. Doing so arms you for your life and against the work of the Adversary. Doing so gives you a real chance to be successful once you've chosen God.
In practical terms, you will spend your time doing something. Everyone’s time in this world is limited. How much of it is wasted chasing things that have no eternal impact (money, fame, and other stuff). How much time has been wasted chasing things that aren’t even real? How many apps have been downloaded to bring a garden, city or clan that exists only in the metaverse to level 10 million or more? How much time have you wasted being distracted by all the world has to offer? What have you really gained from doing so? It passes the time but generates nothing of any value – like most everything on the internet. What would happen if all the people who spent so much of their time watching tv or surfing the internet chose to stand for God and do His will? While we can only speculate on the outcome, I choose to believe that the world would be a much better place. Where do you see a chance to do something for God? There is so much that needs doing these days. And, as Jesus said (Matthew 9:37), the laborers are few. Like Ezra’s example, doing God’s will is the best way to go – seeking God’s support every step of the way and repenting of all the things that might distract you.
****************************
Do you see the value of repentance? That's the sole purpose of our ministry--- encouraging personal and national repentance. No church, no denomination, no other ministry supports us; only saints like you who can discern the times and know that God's gift of repentance is more vital than ever in these times.
Would you please pray for us? And then give from a cheerful heart as the Lord leads? THANK YOU!--whatever amount you give, you'll receive a blessing--- 2 Corinthians 8: 2-4 and Luke 8:3--- and Fruit that will abound to your spiritual account, Philippians 4:17.
God bless you,
Pastor Jeff Daly
National Day of Repentance
pastorjeff@repentday.com
you tube channel: national day of repentance
National Day of Repentance is a 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organization
**************************************************************
