Ezra 1-3; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23: They Are Being Released!!! Finally the children of Israel were coming out of bondage to their captors and God by His divine plan put a King in place that released them. Not only did he release them, but he commanded that they go back, build the temple, and even directed that the supplies be provided. What joy and yet the people knew there was hard work ahead.
Ezra 1:5 “Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem. 6And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered.”
Everyone had a part whether they were going or not. They knew there would be hard work to be done in the restoration process. Some went, some gave, and all prayed.
That is God’s plan for the church today as well. Not everyone is called to pack a bag and go to other places to share the Kingdom story, but everyone is to do their part. Some will pack and for those who take the time to go they encounter hard work as they go yet with the prayers of those who stay behind they experience God’s strength and His presence. Some have been given finances and have the means to give. If that is you, don’t delay. Look for opportunities to support those in the trenches. We will have some opportunities coming up soon where we are going to ask you to help some going on mission to Swaziland. They are willing but the finances to go are around $3500. Some of those going have 2 people from a family. Today that amount of money seems overwhelming, but with the help of others it is very doable. I don’t know what God is speaking to you today, but don’t be afraid to say yes. You too may be on the edge of great freedom in Christ if you will just go where He is sending, do what He is asking, and pray listening for His voice.