Ezra 1-3

70 years of waiting finally gave way to permission to return to Jerusalem.  Interestingly, Cyrus gives the decree at God’s prompting.  Both Jeremiah and Isaiah had foretold of such.  Through this action, God is restoring Jerusalem and he is preparing his people for the Messiah.  Little did the returning exiles know how God was going to use them, but it was obvious that they wanted to honor God.  Not knowing how the new residents of Jerusalem would react, the priests rebuild the altar and begin sacrificing.  We aren’t always confident of responses we will receive when we try to do God’s will.  Faith pushes through the uncertainty.  Our heart rates may go up.  Nervousness and anxiety exist.  Faith triumphs.  Follow God.  Reveal His will.  Be His instrument of faith.