Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference John 19:23-42 Ezra 1
A Bright Spot
Ezra 1-2, John 19:23-42
Key Verses: Ezra 1:5-6
The morning newspaper is not typically encouraging reading for the start of the day, and neither is the evening news for the end of the day! Yet sprinkled among the stories of crimes and severe weather are bits and pieces of encouragement. Sometimes we can read the repeated stories of failure by God's people and miss the words telling of their successes. The Book of Ezra begins with an encouraging note.
God was at work not only in the hearts of His people but also in the heart of the king. Cyrus was moved to do what would fulfill the word of the Lord. He decided to send back to Jerusalem some of the people living in captivity so the temple of God could be rebuilt. God at work in the events of man is an encouragement!
He was at work also in the hearts of His own people, moving them to go and build the temple. The king was making it possible, but he needed workers who were willing to make the journey and do the work. Again, it is encouraging to see God at work, this time in the hearts of His people.
One other encouraging note here. As the workers prepared to go, their neighbors assisted them by providing silver and gold, goods and livestock, and valuable gifts (v. 6). Cyrus would also send along things taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, but what an encouragement that people would give what they had to help.
Be encouraged as you see God at work. Look for examples and thank Him for the evidence that people are responding to the moving of His Spirit. Also, be an encourager. You may be able to help-financially, physically, spiritually or emotionally-someone who is serving God.
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