Ezra 1:1-11
Verse 1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
With another slight time jump we find ourselves in the second wave of the return from exile. This may not be a story we hear as often as some of the other stories, but this is an important reminder of God and His workings in both His chosen people and in those who have been against them. Within his first year of ruling Cyrus is chosen by God to fulfill a prophecy of Jeremiah.
This time of exile was somewhat of a reminder of the Israelites history in Egypt. There were some differences, of course. For example when they were in Egypt they were slaves and despised by the rulers of the land. We can see from our reading today that, as during the days of Daniel, there were some who were respected by the leaders of the foreign country they were living in.
Another way this was reminiscent of the exodus from Egypt is how they were sent away with lots of gifts and finery. While some were gifted from people of the area, some were the items which had been taken from the Temple when they were exiled. These things were taken as holy artifacts and may have given them back as a token of peace.
God’s people were being called back to their home, the Promised Land and just as with the first exodus, God wanted this to be a reminder that they were called out for His purposes. He was calling His people out from pagan places so He could teach them more of Himself. He wanted to bring them back to a place where He was their focus. He desired their worship and devotion. That is one reason they needed to rebuild the Temple.
God’s desire for His people’s worship and devotion has not changed in all these years. He still is calling His people out of their bondage, freeing them from their propensity to sin. He calls us back to Himself and wants us to know the treasures we have in Him. He gives us all we need and deserves all our worship and adoration.
Making It Personal
When has God called you out of a place in life to draw you back to Himself? What did you learn during that time? Do you still worship Him for the things He taught you?
Making It Personal Kids
Why does God want you to be closer to Him? Do you listen for His direction? What can you praise Him for today?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the amazing ways You bring us back to Yourself. Give us hearts which desire to follow You in every way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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