Read Ezra 3:1-13.
Emphasis on Ezra 3:3 and Ezra 3:11.
In the book of Ezra, the Israelites are in the process of re-building the temple after it was destroyed by the Babylonians. The two verses I want to emphasize are listed above.
In Ezra 3:3, the Israelites are re-building the altar, despite fears of being attacked by their neighbours. Side note: Notice that they re-built the altar first, before the temple. Why? So they could offer offerings during the construction of the temple.
The city was in ruins after being destroyed by the Babylonians. There was no wall to protect them (Nehemiah rebuilds it, after.) . However, despite these obstacles... the Israelites continue to do the work God has asked of them. The job took many years, and it encountered many delays. Non-Israelites came and asked to help, they were turned away. The different Persian kings sent out decrees to start then stop then start the work again. The Israelites demonstrated true perseverance in the task of re-building the temple.
So if you were to apply to your life, would you be able to do the things God asked even if there were many obstacles and it took an obscene amount of your time? Would you be able to do what God asked despite fearing for your life? Not only that, would you go about the work with praise in your heart, and worship on your lips, like in Ezra 3:11?
random musing by Richard Chong.
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4 comments:
hmm.. some very good questions, hmm I for one can honestly say, I can't 100% say I would. Reasons?
1) My family, I'm still afraid to pull away in such a direction where I'll lose my family and anything that will push them away from becoming Christian
2) There are soo many things that I want to achieve in life such as having a family.. it'll be tough to just pull away
3) Lastly, comfort, I'm very weak in this area.. not necessarily the materialistic things, but knowing what will happen. ie., I'm a proactive planner, that's my comfort when I know things are certain rather than unknownn.
So I can say I can't be 100%.. I would love to, but because of soo many ties to the people around me and personal barriers, I can't be 100%. I wish I can, but this is something I need prayer on and God challenges me.. to be completely faithful and trusting in Him. That the moment He calls, I'm willing to drop everything... even if that means my family, my goals, my ambitions and stepping out of my comfort zone.. to follow His call for my life.
Brian Yee -> rbk (3,0)
Good questions indeed.
I think God has given me ample opportunity to follow Him, and for the most part I followed. Whether I succeeded or not, that's up to Him to decide right?
It's easier to follow esp. if the only reason why you're alive is because of God - like, literally. So I guess I'm blessed in that way.
But just to encourage ppl, I don't think there will ever be a day when God tells you to drop EVERYTHING and leave EVERYTHING all at once - at least not without preparing you for it.
If He does, well at least I believe He would've prepped you / your heart for it first. So go for it if it happens! In the meantime, you can always focus on the little things He charges you with. Then go for the bigger things.
- Jono (3,2 i think?)
The main trouble I have with this is actually "knowing" God's will for me, and what He wants me to do in life.
In general, i would rather take a risk if the probability of success is moderately high, than to settle for something less but with a 100% success.
If God asked me to do something, and I know 100% that it is God telling me to do that, despite the obstacles in the way, I would most likely try my best to persevere all the way.
-Jon rbk (3,2)
yea, everyone brought up points that i agree with and would like to say.
This is something i need to work on, work on something in such a situation where im prone and defenseless (altar first instead of anything else). Reaching out of your comfort zone and such
-drew rbk(3.2?)
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