Ezra 3
Scripture
Ezra 3:3
Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.
Observation
The exiles who had returned to Jerusalem were afraid of the people groups around them. Their enemies who lived close by would easily be able to come in and attack or harass them since they hadn’t yet rebuilt the wall around the city. Yet, even though they were afraid, they still chose to build the altar and offer their sacrifices to God.
Understanding
Since my son started school a couple months ago, one of the theme words for him has been courage. “What does it mean to be a Thompson?” I’ll ask every day before dropping him off at school. And one of the first things he says is, “It means we are courageous.” I’m not sure what the dictionary definition is, but I defined it for him as, “Doing the right thing even when it isn’t easy.” Even if you’re afraid of leaving my side when I drop you off at school in the morning, you still need to choose to go line up with the other kids. Even if you’re tired, you still need to choose to do your homework. Even if someone asks you to do something you know you shouldn’t do, you still choose to do what’s right. It’s all part of being courageous.
When reading this passage in Ezra, courage was the word that kept appearing in my mind’s eye. The people of God were courageous, willing to do what they knew was right even though they were afraid of the people around them. They chose to build the altar even though it meant risking the possibility of their enemies coming and destroying it again. They chose to offer sacrifices to worship God even though their enemies would be watching.
Life Application
Be courageous!
One quote I keep being reminded of lately is, “We either live to please people or to reach people, but one comes at the expense of the other.” I want to live to worship God no matter who is watching. I want to live to reach people for Christ more than to please people. I want to be honest and act in integrity even when it’s hardest.
God, please help me to be strong and courageous when it comes to doing your will. Amen.
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