Thoughts in Worship Message Magazines Online Devotional for Tuesday, October 21, 2014 Based Upon Ezra 6:14-16 - “And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.” - Following their release from Babylonian captivity, God’s people longed to rebuild the temple that was destroyed during Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest. It was just as it was in the days of Moses. At that time, the children of Israel longed to be set free from Egypt so that, in the wilderness, they could offer sacrifices to the Lord their God. Over a period of years, many letters were sent out between various kings and governors, and eventually the building of God’s temple took place uninterrupted. The Lord showed His people favor with the King Darius. “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the kings goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” Ezra 6:7-12. - When the Lord frees us from the bondage of sin, it is not merely for the sake of making us free. The liberty of God is freedom to worship. The emancipation proclamation from God for sinners saved by grace is, “I have delivered you to worship me with your lives. You are free to live with the power of the Holy Ghost motivating you to live according to all I have commanded. You are free to make disciple makers, that my name may be glorified. I have shown you favor, in order that you and those to whom you witness might be saved eternally.” When the Lord gives us victory over sin, self, and Satan, it should not be treated lightly. No! The Lord has delivered us to bring glory and honor to His name. If we are still in bondage to sin, it is our privilege today, to diligently seek the Lord for deliverance and begin our lives anew with Him.--L. David Harris (davidwritesalot).
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 10:50:28 +0000
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