The book of Ezra is a book of restoration. It is about how revival can come into a nation through an open heart seeking God’s truth and will. Ezra was a leader to God’s children; he brought the Word of God back into a people that had been exiled for 70 years. These books may seem dry, but take note of the actions of the men featured, Ezra and Nehemiah. These men were men of God; men of integrity; and men of prayer, order, respect and authority.
No great dreams can be accomplished alone! Ezra and Nehemiah were role models in the church. Ezra was a man of passion for the Word of God; a scribe who read the Word of God day and night. He didn’t care about the cost but only wanted to follow God. Ezra’s goal was to please God and make disciples, not just to grow the number of the church and gain personal glory.
Ezra knew the importance of laying the foundation of the church. The people of Israel had drifted far away from God, not just physically during the exile but spiritually. Physical walls are the manifestation of spiritual walls. If something is broken on the outside, you know it is broken on the inside. So Ezra had to start from the very beginning to bring revival.
There were consequences to the lack of faith from the people of Israel: drought, famine, loss of prosperity and, eventually, the exile. The people had drifted so far spiritually that when they arrived, they asked, “Where am I? What kind of place is this?” Ezra had to re-educate the people on the basics of prayer, worship and breaking bread. Disobedience brings decrease and confusion, but with obedience, God can increase and restore.
To rebuild the foundation, first they built an altar. Why? Because obedience is about seeking the will of God. Abraham is an example of obedience. Noah, the first thing he did upon leaving the ark was build an altar. Everything else will come together after building an altar. Going before God with prayer and sacrifice is the start of the foundation.{eoa}
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