Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Ezra 6-8; 2 Timothy 3
Devotional Thought:
In the book of Ezra, we find the details to the rebuilding of the temple. Just as God has led Nehemiah to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, God has led Ezra to lead the rebuilding of the temple. In chapter 4, we find opposition to the rebuilding process. Whatever God wants His people to accomplish, there will certainly be opposition from Satan and the carnal people who are willing to be used by him. Opportunity and opposition usually go together; and the greater the opportunity, the greater the opposition. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “For a great and effective door has opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9). In chapter 5, we find the work resuming following the revival that takes place in the heart of those who had been distracted building their own houses rather than building God’s house. God uses the preaching of His word and the officials of the day to help motivate the people to get back to the work of rebuilding the temple of God. In chapter 6, we find the work being completed on the last day of the month, the twelfth day, in 515 BC. It is about 5 ½ years after Haggai and Zechariah rebuked the people for being more concerned about their own homes than for the house of God. “And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.” (6:14) Throughout the rest of this chapter we find the children of Israel rejoicing in the blessing of obedience. They reminisced about the project, the process, and the prosperity of coming out of captivity to worship the Lord freely in Jerusalem. What opposition are you facing in your pursuit to obey the Lord and accomplish His will for your life? Are the things of this life distracting you? Are your habits, house, or hobbies more important to you than the work of God? Do you find yourself so earthly minded that you are not laying up treasures in heaven? This passage reminds us that there is great reward and rejoicing in obeying God’s purpose and plan for leaving His children here on earth. We have a task to do and we must be willing to obey the Lord.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to never get distracted by the things that are temporary. If I get my eyes off of the things that really matter, please help me to see the joy of keeping my priorities right.
• Lord, thank you for your program, the local church. Please help me to never forget the call you gave to me to lead Faith Baptist Church to accomplish your will for your glory.
• Lord, please help me to stand against opposition in order to be found faithful in the opportunities that often come with that opposition.