We have been studying the book of Ezra and the miraculous release from captivity. It is the return of the Israel to the land of promise, the home that God had promised and supplied. Worship of the one true God in Jerusalem had seemingly vanished. But our God has never disappeared even in the darkest of time. Our eyesight may dim or even be closed, but that doesn’t change the great ” I AM”. He has proved himself over and over again in history and in the lives of individuals.
Ezra not only brought back the worship to the rebuilt temple, brought back the most important thing to Israel. He brought back the Word of God. God is never far even though we may be brought into captivity. In Babylon, God not only moved the heart of the rulers of the Persian empire, but He moved the heart of Ezra and others to meditate on the Scriptures. It is in re-turning to the Word that we find not only release from captivity, but the righteousness, peace and joy that the Apostle Paul had found an wrote of: Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. ”
God’s Word is constant, sure, and eternal. The still small voice of the Holy Spirit continues to remind and show forth His love as it move human hearts even today. Today, we are reminded, is a new day of His Grace. The Word is close:
Romans 10:8-13- But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
May the Word of God be your source of strength for this day, and the bright Hope for tomorrow!
Pastor Stan
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