Today’s Reading, Ezra 1-3
Focal Scripture: Ezra 3:3 “They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings for the morning and evening on it to the Lord even though they feared the surrounding peoples.”
When we serve God we need to be all in no matter the circumstances. I can tell you from personal experiences that I have served when I was half way in, barely in, and completely all in. Only one way truly works when you are serving the Lord. The other ways mean we are relying on our own strength, knowledge, and skills. The reason I don’t go all in when serving is because I am afraid. I fear what may happen if I totally commit. Afraid of where he may send me next on my life’s adventures. Fear of failure and letting him down.
In today’s reading we see believers who do not let fear get in their way when it comes to the Lord. These people rebuilt the altar, set it back up and offered burnt offering on it where everybody could see them. They performed these sacrifices in the morning and the evening. Then the scripture tells us they did it anyway even though they feared the people who surrounded them. However, they didn’t let fear stop them from being obedient and giving their all to the Lord.
The challenge for us as believers is to not allow fear to stop us from serving and being obedient. Right now ask yourself what are you being lead to do but you won’t do it because of fear. You know God has asked you to be obedient. You desire to please your savior, but doubt and fear keep you from stepping out. These faithful followers of the Lord we read about today worshipped and were obedient in the midst of the fear. We also need to do the same.
I know right now God has asked me to do something and I keep pushing it off. I fear putting time and energy into something and it not going well. However, I need to understand that my calling is to worship the Lord even when it doesn’t make sense and I am fearful. After all, the results are up to him. I am just called to be obedient and faithful. I am called to worship in the presence of those who would like to do me harm.
I encourage you today to be obedient to the calling God has given you. Worship day and night and do it in the presence of your enemies because God will be with you the entire time.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Ezra 4-7
