Our scripture today is Ezra 1:3 (NRSVUE).
Let any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—go up to Jerusalem in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; he is the God who is in Jerusalem.
Ezra documents the return of God’s people to Jerusalem after the exile. It was a slow process but the Lord was with them and gave them guidance and good leaders. Some theologians call this the Exodus journey, the cycle of His people turning away and God allowing them to see the consequences of their actions. This mirrors the eviction from Eden, the Tower of Babel, the Flood and the list goes on. God continues to reach out to us, but we have to be willing to see the mistakes we make and go to Him in repentance.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for our sinful behavior, but grateful for Your love and mercy. Help us to see the needs of the world around us and go in Your name to share the Gospel everywhere. Amen.
