RTW 2023

In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose.

Ezra 3:1

Rebuilding is possible, no matter how devastating the ruins might be.

• Rebuilding requires leadership, godly leadership.
• Rebuilding is costly.
• Rebuilding is fearful.
• Rebuilding is easier with help.
• Rebuilding is often opposed.

We can rise out of our rubble, rising requires:

• Confession of our sins, setting things right with God.
  They built the altar first, the place where sin had to be dealt with.
• Through obedience to God’s ways
  They followed through the sacrifice as prescribed in the law.
• Determination to rebuilding, shaking off opposition
  Despite the fear of and intimidation by the locals they kept building. Telling them, “You may have no part of this work.”

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This verse, the 7,337 servants, caused me to raise my eyebrow in wonder.

…in addition to 7,337 servants and 200 singers, both men and women.
Ezra 2:65

Most believe that these were those employed by Solomon who came from other people groups. They came into Israel as foreign proselytes. Enduringword.com

“These also were strangers, that had been employed by Solomon, and becoming proselytes, were incorporated into the commonwealth of Israel. God is no respecter of persons.” – John Trapp

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Don’t be surprised when the enemy tries to mess up my yes.