Category: faith

Calming the Sea

Matthew 8:14-34
Mark 4-5

Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)

It had been a flurry of activity and much of it miraculous.  Following the Sermon on the Mount we see the healing of the Centurion’s servant, healing Peter’s mother-in-law, and then crowds overwhelming him for healing of the sick and casting out spirits.  He was exhausted and knew he needed rest, so moved onto gathering his disciples in a boat and set out on the Sea of Galilee with his disciples to escape the pressure of the crowds. He quickly fell asleep, oblivious to a building storm.  The boat was buffeted about in the wind and waves; the storm so strong that it was described as cataclysmic or a mega storm.  The disciples, several of whom were fishermen and used to life on the sea, became frightened, fearing they were going to die.  In their fear, they woke Jesus, crying that they were about to perish.  His first response was to respond, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” He then gave the command for the wind to abate and the waves to calm, a remarkable illustration of power over the elements.  Jesus often used that phrase “little faith” to challenge his followers.  He is saying just look at me and see what I can do. . . that is what a mature faith looks like.  A big faith, one that is developed, is one where eyes and heart are fixed on the master of the wind even in the midst of the storm.

Fear is something that we are well acquainted with.  Our brains are wired to look for threats to help ensure our survival.  If we are walking through the woods and a bear jumps out, it triggers a fight or flight response to help us react in a way to help us survive—either fight the bear or hope we can run faster than our companions.  The disciples, in the midst of this storm, feared for their life—they were in a fight or flight response.  Jesus, however, took this opportunity to teach a lesson about faith.  These disciples had just been witnesses to incredible miracles; yet in their immature faith, were afraid for themselves.  We’ve all been there, finding ourselves in the midst of life’s storms and being battered by circumstances beyond our control or even by our brain’s proclivity at conjuring up imagined threats to our wellbeing.  Consequently, it is easy to get caught up in a cycle of fear and anxiety about our lives.  A loved one becomes ill, someone loses a job, financial problems hang over our heads, and in addition, we are caught up in a myriad of “what ifs”.  What if I fail? What if my relationship falls apart?  What if I disappoint others? And the list goes on and on in our weary brains.  Jesus speaks to us as he did to his disciples. . . what about faith?  Where does your faith impact your fears in your life?  How would it feel to have some freedom from the fears that seem to plague us?  Faith does not pretend that a storm does not exist. It does not exempt us from efforts to take care of ourselves and others. Faith ensures that we are not overcome with anxiety, stress and worry.  Faith allows us to focus on Jesus who provides the calm in the midst of our storms.

Questions for reflection

What are some of the storms you are experiencing right now? 

Imagine yourself in the boat with the disciples.  How overwhelming does that fear feel?   How would you respond to Jesus commanding the storm to abate?

Jesus uses the phrase, “little faith”.  Where are you in your faith journey?  Do you feel like your faith is growing and developing into a more mature faith?

How is your faith impacting some of the fears you are experiencing in your life?  How do you think you can find the peace within the midst of your storms?

SGL.2025.OctoberFullPageDownload

Storytime in the Gospels

Matthew 13 & Luke 8

Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)

Storytime when putting the grandchildren to bed is the best.  One of my favorite books is called “Tale of Two Beasts”.  In the story, a little girl is walking through the forest and finds a small beast hanging upside down from a branch.  She decides to take this little one home and turn him into a pet.  The book first tells the story from the perspective of the little girl.  The second part of the book tells the story from the perspective of the little beast.  Gradually, the two tales come together in a happy ending as they learn to appreciate one another despite their differing perspectives.   I love the book because it teaches something I think is important and that is to step back and consider the perspectives of others throughout life.  Many, if not most, children’s books attempt to teach a lesson through storytelling.  In Matthew 13, we see that Jesus knew the power of stories in teaching abstract principles through parables.   He knew that using parables was an effective way to communicate profound truths about faith and life.  He merely looked around him and identified familiar elements and characters like farmers, fishermen, bread making, and harvesting crops that could be used to help his listeners understand deeper spiritual truth.  Using learning principles that we’ve identified today, he uses metaphors and similes to draw comparisons of the everyday to deeper spiritual truths. These stories stay with us and help us to understand and remember what Jesus wanted us to know. The stories told over 2000 years ago still have relevance to us today.

The beautiful thing about parables is it teaches a truth that at first glance seems simple yet allowing for increasing layers of understanding.  Like the layers of an onion, a parable provides layers of depth and nuance that with reflection and application can reveal increasing insights while challenging individuals to grapple with the truths and grow from them.  Jesus is using these stories to turn the listener into a participant rather than just the audience—the best way to learn. Parables Jesus shared are sprinkled throughout the gospels;  Matthew 13 contains several significant ones teaching about faith and the Kingdom of God.

Parable of the Sower: A sower scatters seeds on different types of soil; the path, rocky ground, thorn and good soil with each type of soil representing different responses to the message of the Kingdom of Heaven.  It asks, “How do you receive the message of the kingdom?”

Tares and the Wheat: The combination of tares and wheat together teach lessons about the coexistence of good and evil in the world, emphasizing the importance of discernment and patient waiting. It asks, “How do you understand and identify between good and evil?”

The Mustard Seed: Just as a tiny mustard seed can grow into a large plant, even the smallest amount of faith can be transformative.  It asks, “How does your faith, even if it is found in small belief and actions, lead to significant outcomes?”

The Leaven: A woman mixes leaven into the dough causing it to rise and transform into a delicious loaf of bread just as the message of the Kingdom of Heaven can gradually and irreversibly alter the world.  It asks, “How can you be influential by sharing the message of the Kingdom of Heaven?

Hidden Treasures: A man discovers a treasure and recognizes its value, selling everything to buy the field where the treasure is hidden. The discovery of the message of the Kingdom of Heaven is a remarkable treasure that is worth sacrificing everything to obtain it.  It asks, “What are you willing to sacrifice to pursue the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Costly Pearl: A merchant is actively searching for fine pearls and when he finds one of great value, sells everything he has to purchase it just as a person searches for truth and spiritual connection.  It asks, “How are you diligent in your search for truth and are you willing to give up everything to make it yours?”

The Dragnet: The fisherman casts out a net that gathers in all kinds of fish, just as the message of the kingdom will gather in all types who will eventually be subjected to God’s judgment.  It asks, “How do you respond to the “all types” gathered together by the gospel message”?

As you engage in these stories, immerse yourself in the “world” that Jesus is creating for us.  If it is the Parable of the Sower, imagine yourself walking through the field and seeing where the seeds you scatter are landing.  If it is “The Leaven”, imagine that you are the one making the bread and leaven to make it rise.  Becoming a part of the story will allow you to deeply engage with the lesson Jesus is teaching.  Approach them with an open heart and mind, asking, “What can I learn and take away from this story”.  Reflect on the story and connect the teachings with your own life asking, “How is what I am learning impacting my faith, my relationships and my behavior”?  The ultimate test is to begin to apply what you have learned and allow those insights to change how you live. 

Questions for reflection

Which of these parables resonate most closely with you?  

Focus on one parable.  Imagine yourself in the context of the story and immerse yourself for a moment in the action.   How does that impact your understanding of the parable?

If Jesus was walking through your world today, what might he choose to build a parable around?

How do you think a parable might increase your faith?

SGL.2025.SeptemberFullPageDownload

An Invitation to be Yoked

Matthew 11

Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)

Take a look around you.  You might see people who are exhausted and depleted by life and all the challenges it brings.  You may hear phrases like “I never have enough time”, “There is always too much to do”, “I’m always stressed about money”, “I am feeling so isolated and lonely”, “My anxiety is paralyzing me”.  Those common phrases bear witness to people who are struggling to manage life burdens and feeling continually overwhelmed with no relief in sight. All of us feel the weight of life at times whether it be physical exhaustion, emotional depletion, or spiritual unrest.   Jesus had been teaching his disciples and followers that the law only brought burdens, but a relationship with him provides the freedom and lightness that comes with shared burdens.  The passage we will explore out of Matthew 11 offers hope in the midst of life challenges.  

It begins with an invitation from Jesus to “come”.  It’s a simple imperative statement. It’s not a question or a plea—it is a gentle command to connect with him and to create a relationship with him.  It is an invitation to bring whatever is weighing you down and share the burden with him without shame, guilt or fear.  He is inviting us into a safe space where he will share the burden and offer some respite to you from bearing it all yourself. 

With this invitation comes the metaphor of putting on a yoke with him, which at first glance, may feel like even more of a burden and more constrictive.  He uses a yoke as a metaphor to help us picture the beauty of that “shackling”.  A yoke joins two animals, such as oxen, together so that the animals can share the workload and become more productive. The farmer may choose to shackle an older ox with a younger one or an unruly one with one that is steadier in order to help them both in the work.  The biblical scholar William Barclay describes the creation of a yoke by a carpenter who measures the ox and followed by several fittings, creates a customized yoke that gives the ox comfort while he works.  He also says that there is a legend about Jesus which may or may not be true, that as a carpenter, Jesus had a reputation of making some of the best yokes in the region and had a sign about his door that said, “My yokel fits well”!  Fact or fiction, this is the type of yoke that he is inviting us to take on with him—one that is comfortable, that allows him to lead and gives us relief from bearing burdens by ourselves.   

In the book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning addressed a specific audience, and as it happens, the same audience Jesus’s invitation is for. He said that the “ragamuffin gospel” is for:

The bedraggled, beat-up, and burnt-out. It is for the sorely burdened who are still shifting the heavy suitcase from one hand to the other. It is for the wobbly and weak-kneed who know they don’t have it altogether. It is for inconsistent, unsteady disciples whose cheese is falling off their cracker. It is for poor, weak, sinful men and women with hereditary faults and limited talents. It is for earthen vessels who shuffle along on feet of clay. It is for the bent and the bruised who feel that their lives are a grave disappointment to God. It is for smart people who know they are stupid and honest disciples who admit they are scalawags.

What would it look like if we actually did this?  We wake up in the morning knowing that we can’t bear the burden of the day and just simply asked him to share the burden?  How would your life be different?

This is an invitation to join with Jesus who describes himself as gentle and humble in heart so that we might find rest for our souls.  In this, he will equip us, teach us, support us, relieve us and guide us as we live our lives. It is a clear path. . . Come to him, Take his yoke, learn from him, and find rest for your weary soul. 

Questions for reflection

What is your initial response to the command to “come”?  What then is your initial response to be “yoked”?

Why do you think we tend to handle our burdens by ourselves?  Why might we hesitate to share the burdens with Jesus?

When you think about being “yoked” together with Jesus, does that feel constrictive or freeing? How do you think you could more intentionally share your burdens as a result of this invitation?

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Marvelous Faith

Matthew 8:1-13 and Luke 7

Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)

It might take a lot to surprise Jesus, but surprised and amazed he was.   We could initially assume that this reaction was directed toward his disciples. Perhaps it was from a crowd’s reaction to one of his teachings.  Maybe, just maybe, it was due to an interaction with a rabbi in a synagogue.  Instead, we are told that he “marveled” at the response of a Roman soldier, an unlikely scenario.  People in the area were abuzz with the news of the teachings and miracles of Jesus.  This talk had reached the ears of a Centurion, a Roman soldier that oversaw 100 soldiers occupying the region.  This centurion, likely well versed in the pantheon of Roman gods, heard news of the one claiming to be the son of the living God. This powerful man, when his servant became ill, decided to seek out this Jesus by asking a group of Jewish elders to intercede on his behalf.  They were willing to do so as this Centurion had helped them build a synagogue.  This intercessory group met Jesus as he entered the town and presented the request, at which time Jesus set off to the Centurion’s house.   He had just been teaching the concept of “loving your enemies” and here he was heading to the home of a Roman.  As they drew close, they were met with another group of emissaries with the message that the Centurion did not feel worthy to have Jesus in his home, but believed that he could just say the word and the servant would be healed.  Jesus was astonished.  Here was a Roman, a man of authority, a pagan, and an enemy of the Jewish people who had enough faith to believe that Jesus could heal with a word.  The Greek word “thaumazo” used to describe the reaction of Jesus to this man’s faith is translated as “amazed” or “marveled”. The only other time that this word is used in the New Testament is when Jesus “marveled” at the lack of faith of those in Nazareth.  This centurion was an unlikely person to “amaze” Jesus, yet Jesus described him as having “great” faith.  In other places, Jesus describes “little” faith in describing his disciple’s response to him.  Little faith from the disciples; great faith from the Centurion.  He demonstrated great faith by believing without seeing, stepping out of his culture and authority to humble himself, and trusting what he had heard about Jesus.  As a man of authority, he understood the power of the authority that Jesus had and had confidence to make the request of him.  Such confidence is the essence of faith. It is that confidence that prompted Jesus to respond with “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith”. 

Questions for Reflection

In what ways were the actions of the Centurion a surprise in this story?  How did he act differently than what we might expect of a man in his culture and situation?

What prompted the Centurion to make this request?  Why do you think he was reluctant to approach Jesus directly?  What did this tell Jesus about this man?

Why do you think Jesus marveled at this request?  Why did he identify this man as one with great faith?

When looking at your own faith, where would you place it on a scale of “little faith” to “great faith”?

How do you think you could grow your faith into one that was considered “great”?

SGL.2025.SeptemberFullPageDownload

A Transformed Life

Matthew 5-7

Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)

It was a warm day by the Sea of Galilee as Jesus and his disciples rested, ate and talked.  They had been on a rigorous schedule following the launch of Jesus’s ministry.  Word about the healings and teachings had spread and people were intrigued by this new itinerant preacher who was sharing a new message about the Kingdom of God.  Folks from all around the region began to seek him out and as Jesus noticed the gathering of the crowds, he moved up the hill to a place where the crowds could see and hear him.  He began to speak, resulting in what we know as the Sermon on the Mount.  He spoke about the Kingdom of God in a way they had never heard before, turning everything they knew about religion, the law and the kingdom upside down. Donald Kraybill in his book, The Upside Down Kingdom, describes how Jesus presented an introduction to the Kingdom of God that was totally opposite of what the world’s definition might be.  In these teachings, Jesus provided a vision of what a life lived with the Kingdom of God in their minds and in their hearts might look like.  Instead of a focus on following the law, he called for the transformation of their hearts and lives.

The upside down kingdom, as described by Jesus, included flipping their perspectives in several ways:

  1.  In a world where power, money, status, aggression, revenge and self-centeredness were valued, he provided a new perspective in the Beatitudes where those who were poor, sad, without status, gentle, forgiving, merciful and looking for peace would be the very ones who were blessed, happy and would receive the ultimate rewards.
  2. The keys to the kingdom were found in sharing your light with the world.  That light was not just keeping the law but letting others see the change in your heart and life.
  3. Keeping the law was not just about following the rules but about creating relationships which reflected the love of Jesus and one another.  You choose not to covet  for example, not because it is a rule, but because it destroys relationships.  Loving God is fleshed out in loving your neighbor by respecting them, sacrificing for them and even loving those you consider your enemies. 
  4. He encouraged them to pray with a focus on building a more personal and intimate relationship with God by providing a template with The Lord’s Prayer.
  5. Instead of focusing on the temporary and insubstantial values of the world, our attention should be on those values of the Kingdom of God which are lasting and substantive.
  6. In a world that is filled with anxiety about the future, Jesus reminds them that this worry is just a waste of time and energy.  Instead, if you focus on seeking the Kingdom, these other things will fall into place. 

We are called to an upside down kingdom where transformed lives allow people to begin to experience the Kingdom of God.  Jesus provided a vision of what a transformed life looks like so that followers can begin the journey toward that destination.  Those steps in that journey come with every intentional decision and choice we, as followers, take.   If I want to reflect God’s kingdom, then I choose to spend time in prayer, focus my time and energy on kingdom values, treat the poor and marginalized with kindness and on and on.  Every choice moves us in the direction of more fully reflecting the Kingdom of God in our lives.  Every thought, belief and action is an opportunity to more fully reflect that transformed life.

Questions for reflection:

How does the term “upside down kingdom” impact how you read the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount?

Which of the teachings contained in this sermon resonate with you?

How do you respond to the idea that each day we are faced with opportunities to intentionally transform into the vision that Jesus has created?

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the need for transformation and just shut down.  How does it make you feel if you approach it as one decision or choice at a time?

What is one area of your life where you would like to work on transformation? 

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We Need More Ezras

Ezra 7-10

Devotion by Carla Hardy (Michigan)

The name Ezra comes from a Hebrew word that means “help.” Ezra was a man of integrity, trusted by the king. Most importantly, though, Ezra was a man of God. He committed himself to knowing the Word of God. In Ezra chapter 7, verse 10, it says, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” So not only did Ezra study the Word, but he lived it out so he could share his knowledge and heart with others – in this way he embodied what it truly means to be a helper. 

Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:2 to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” This is exactly what Ezra did. He knew the Word so he could then go out and teach it. When Ezra is sent by the king to Jerusalem, he finds the Israelites in bad shape. They had been disobedient to God, neglecting all of His ways. Ezra was equipped and ready to handle this unexpected discovery because He knew God’s word inside and out. He set about helping the Israelites find their way back to God. He was a true leader; he cared about people, lifted them up, prayed for their repentance, taught them the Word, and showed them how to live out a life of faith. 

In all areas of my life, I want to be like Ezra. I pray and hope people see me as someone with integrity, someone they can trust. I want to know God’s word and keep it in my heart, so I am prepared to help in all seasons. Above all, I want to share God with others and proclaim His goodness, mercy and love.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you committed yourself to knowing the Word? How do you study it? How do you best commit it to your heart?
  2. Have you ever known a great leader? In what ways was this person like Ezra? What wisdom did that person impart to you?
  3. This world needs more Ezras. How can you be more like Ezra today in your walk with God?
SGL.2025.SeptemberFullPageDownload

For His Purposes

Esther 1-4

Devotion by Carla Hardy (Michigan)

Sometimes (usually in the midst of a scuffle with technology) I wonder if living in 2025 is really for me. Maybe I would have been more suited for life in the 1800s, living life on the prairie. But then I remember how much I love indoor plumbing. 

I kid, but in all seriousness I wonder, do you ever feel this way, too? Why are you placed in the here and now? For me, feeling equipped doesn’t always come easy. My guess is that you often feel the same. The world moves quickly and so much is happening…and sometimes I feel a bit helpless. What can I even contribute to the story? Where is my place here?

I bet this, in part, is what Esther wrestled with when Mordecai relays to her in chapter 4, verse 14, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 

At first, she was in fear of her life, knowing that if she approached the king she would likely be put to death. In no way did she feel prepared to do what Mordecai asked of her – as if she was in a position to approach the king as anyone special. But, when Mordecai reminds her of what is at stake, she is convicted and courageously decides to take action. 

I want to confront my insecurities and fears like Esther. Whether I’m facing a small task or a life-altering one, I want to show up for God. Because He told me, I know that I am made in His image, and He has placed me here, in this place and at this moment, for His purposes. I want to be an instrument He can use to further His Kingdom. How about you?

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you ever felt inadequate or out of place? What did you do in response to that? 
  2. Has there been a time in your life when you were called to be brave, like Esther, beyond your own strength? How did you experience God in that moment?
  3. What is God calling you to do today? How can you be courageous and embrace what He has for you?
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Are You Ready?

Zechariah 6-9

Devotion by Carla Hardy (Michigan)

When was the last time you were faced with the question of readiness? Ready to make a career change, get married, have a baby, retire, begin a new ministry? When, if ever, are we 100% ready? If we’re honest, I’d say almost never. We can make the decision, though, to prepare ourselves and make progress every day towards that next step. Will we make mistakes? Yes. Will we stumble? Of course. But, if we commit our hearts, relying on God to guide us in the journey, we can trust that He will equip us for all we need. Like Paul reminds us in Romans, God works for the good of us in all things, as long as we are living for His purposes. 

So today brings us again to Zechariah, and a similar question he asks the Israelites on behalf of God. He asks them if they are ready to be the kind of people ready to receive God’s Kingdom. The Lord says, “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely…” (Zech 8:16-17)

Like asking ourselves if we are ready for the next step in this earthly life, Zechariah’s question is one we can ask ourselves today regarding our Kingdom life. Are we ready to be the kind of people ready to receive God’s new Kingdom here on earth? Our hearts should be thankful for His guidance and pure in our intentions, desiring to obey God’s word and striving to be the kind of people He calls us to be. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are you ready to be ready for the Kingdom to come? Check your heart.
  2. What can you do today to become more ready than you were yesterday?
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Return to the Lord Almighty

Zechariah 1-5

Devotion by Carla Hardy (Michigan)

We spent yesterday with Haggai urging the Israelites to obey God with a pure heart and focus on His coming Kingdom. Zechariah, another minor prophet, does something similar, encouraging the Israelites to rebuild the temple. 

Here again, the Israelites are discouraged. Zechariah challenges them to not be like their ancestors, rebellious and disobedient. He reminds them that if they turn back to God, He will be with them. “Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zech. 1:3)

Zechariah has a series of God-brought nighttime visions, solidifying His promises to restore and protect His people and the city of Jerusalem, and to bring the promise of the Messiah to fruition. 

Today, visions and dreams from God are far less common, or even do not occur at all, depending on one’s interpretation of the Word. We can’t expect God to give us clear visions while we sleep, but what we can do is remember that He left us his Word, which is 66 books of His goodness, His plans and His promises. Within these pages you’ll find the assurance that God is with us, that He promises to never leave us. He urges us to return to Him, and there we will find Him. Just like Zechariah encouraged the Israelites, so God encourages us. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced a vision? Or, recall a time when Scripture spoke to you so strongly that it was as a vision. 
  2. Has there been a time in your life where you rebelled or were disobedient? What happened when you returned back to God?
  3. What is your favorite promise from God? Reflect on that today. 
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God’s Promises are Sure

Ezra 1-3

Devotion by Sherry Alcumbrack (South Carolina)

Isaiah 14:24 says: The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”

In the first chapter of Ezra it says that God stirred the heart of King Cyrus to fulfill a prophecy of Jeremiah that they would be exiled for seventy years and after this time they would be allowed to return to Jerusalem. See Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10.

In Isaiah 44-45, it names King Cyrus over a century before he was born. It is amazing to see how God chooses to work, here he is using a pagan king to fulfill his prophesies. King Cyrus sent out a proclamation that “the Lord, the God of heaven” had appointed him to rebuild His house in Jerusalem. Ezra Chapter 1 v.3 says “Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.”

Then, he told all the survivors to support them with silver, gold, or other valuables. Everyone had a part in the rebuilding of the temple even if they were not actually doing the building. We all have a part in ministry, it may be supporting those that are doing the work, but that is an important and much needed part of any ministry. King Cyrus also brought back the vessels from the first temple that Nebuchadnezzar had taken and restored them to their rightful place.

These people had been taken into captivity when Babylon had taken over, now they are given a chance to return and chapter 2 lists the people and the families that they represent who came back. In 2:68-69a “Some of the heads of fathers’ households, when they arrived at the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for the house of God to erect it on its site. According to their ability they gave to the treasury…”   The identity of the Jewish people as the people of God was tied up in the temple, where the presence of the Lord dwelt. The Jewish people were devastated by the destruction of the first temple in 586 BC. They were filled with despair and a loss of hope. With the chance to rebuild the temple, the people gained some of their hope back. Their national pride began to come back. In the seventh month after the return, the Levites built an altar to God so that they could offer burnt offerings on it. This was important to them to show obedience to the Law of Moses. It was also an important act of worship to God. They were terrified of the people around them, and they wanted the protection of God to surround them. They reinstated the offerings and the festivals even before the foundation for the temple had been laid, because they wanted to restore their worship to God. The people were excited to build the temple again, to have a place where God would dwell, and where they could go to worship Him.

When the foundation was laid, it says in chap 3 v. 10b-11a “they praised the Lord according to the directions of King David of Israel.”  “And they sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, ’God He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever.” They shouted and wept in celebration and it says it was heard far away.

Just as God used people in the Old and New Testament to carry out his purposes, he also uses us for His purpose. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Also, Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.” God is working with us and using us to bring about his promises. We can rest in the knowledge that whatever He has planned for us to do, he will give us the means to fulfill it.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Describe the thoughts and feelings the Jews may have felt as they heard King Cyrus’ proclamation of Ezra 1:2-4. And, also, as they entered Jerusalem?
  2. In what ways have you been a part of a ministry planned by God and much larger than yourself?
  3. “We can rest in the knowledge that whatever He has planned for us to do, he will give us the means to fulfill it.” – How have you already seen this to be true in your own life? What might God have prepared for you to do next? How has He already prepared you for it? What means are being put in place?
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