Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Ezra 3
When the Israelites returned to Israel after years of living in exile in Babylon, their first desire was to rebuild the Temple and begin making offerings to God. Unfortunately, it takes time to rebuild a temple, so they simply set up an altar where the temple once had been and began celebrating the feasts and offerings there.
When I read this, I thought about the saying, “Delayed obedience is disobedience,” and wondered to myself what things I’m waiting on, what ducks I’m trying to get in a row, before I start doing what God has called me to do.
God wants us to obey Him today. Now. Right now. Here. Where you are. Wherever you are.
How many times have I thought —
- When I know more about the Bible …
- When I have a bigger house …
- When I have more money …
- When I’m not so busy …
God called some to go back to Jerusalem, and those who weren’t called to return were called to give generously to those who were. Both of these jobs were important – to go and to give – and God equipped both groups to obey Him.
If God has called you to do something, He will equip you to do it.
Maybe you’re wondering, “What is God calling me to do?”
I don’t know the specific plans that God has for you, those good works that He has prepared in advance for you (Ephesians 2:10), but I do know God has called you to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
Start there.
And sometimes what you’re supposed to be doing now to obey God is to be working on those things He’s called you to do.
Do you need to know the Bible better for the task He’s called you to do? Alright, then, what are you doing to work towards that goal.
Do you need a bigger house or more money for a task He’s given to you? How are you working toward that? Paying down debt … Saving money … Getting a higher paying job … Working a little on the side?
Do you need more margin to have the time for an opportunity that He has for you? How are you working toward that? Skipping a weekend’s show binge or an all-night doomscroll might be a good place to start.
The Israelites began making offerings, but they also began working on the temple. Let’s start in the here and now, today, while also working toward the future and the generations to come.
Heavenly Father, I lift up every man and woman who is reading this message at this moment in time and space. Please draw them to know You, to seek You, to love You, to trust and obey You. You are worthy to be trusted. You are worthy to be obeyed. Please lead these men and women on the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s Sake. Show them that straight and narrow path with the light of Your Word and the perfect wisdom of Your Holy Spirit. Provide for their every need; give them the wisdom, time, and finances necessary to accomplish the tasks that You have prepared in advance for them to do. For Your glory and for our good I pray. Amen.
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