Returning to the Lord and His Work (Ezra 1)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
17 July 2022
Who among us has not done wrong before God? But isn't it a happy time to return to God knowing he has forgiven us?
Israel sinned, was forgiven, and returned to God and to the work of God.
Observe the providence of God in Israel's return to the Lord and his work.
The return signalled the end of Israel’s punishment. God may chastise for a day but his mercy is forever and a day.
The return was a fulfilment of prophecy. The prophet Jeremiah foretold the Jewish captivity would be for seventy years (Jer. 29:10) and that is exactly how long it lasted.
The benevolence of a pagan king, Cyrus, was instrumental to Israel's return. God works in the hearts of even non believers to further his purposes.
Israel must rebuild the temple from where God communicated. No temple; no communication. From communication to Israel there would come communication to world. Israel first; the gentiles second. Salvation is of the Jews.
The Jews were prepared to work and rebuild the temple. The Jewish temple needed workers; the Christian gospel also.
All that was necessary for the work was provided for. Cyrus himself gave what was necessary including the return of articles taken from the temple by the Babylonians. The Jews who remained in Babylon also contributed.
The work was completed progressively. First the altar, then the foundations and finally the temple itself.
The lesson for us is that God's people after a time of chastisement may return to the Lord and be involved in his work.
Note some instances of people who did wrong but returned to the Lord and his work.
David committed adultery and murder. God sent the prophet Nathan to convict David of his sin. David returned to the Lord and his work. He gave the plans of the temple to his son Solomon who subsequently built the temple.
Jonah disobeyed the Lord and ran away. The Lord sent a great fish to swallow up Jonah and then spew him onto the shore. Jonah returned to the Lord and did the work of preaching in Nineveh.
Peter denied the Lord three times. The Lord used servant girls to bring Peter to his senses and he subsequently went forth and did the work required of him (John 21:15-17).
Be encouraged to know that despite your failings there is a way back to the Lord. Through the atoning death of Jesus you can return to your Creator and be involved in his work.
The Lord's work is meaningful. It is a mission to love and save the lost. Come to him through Jesus and be part of this work.