Saturday, October 2: Ezra 3- Start strong.

 [T]hey built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening sacrifices. Then in accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the LORD. On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, though the foundation of the LORD's temple had not yet been laid (3b-6).

Having returned to Jerusalem and doing what is necessary to secure their dwellings, they built an altar, reinstituting worship and prescribed sacrifices. Six words are critical in the above account: in accordance with what is written. Although exiled in disgrace for unfaithfulness, Israel apparently had a change of heart in exile. God’s word breathed life into the community so when they were given opportunity to return, they built their foundation on the Lord and His word… in accordance with what is written.

Every journey has a beginning, every marriage, every school year.  We all experience numerous beginnings. Israel began well, they built their foundation on God’s word and we can do no better.

Listening to this chapter I thought, “What a simple word for me, for all who would follow Jesus. Build on the foundation of God’s word”.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the first day of the week, begins a new week.  As a new beginning I (you) have the opportunity to start strong, to begin our week with the Lord and His word. Worship with a community of faith, attention to His word… this is the strongest foundation.

Think about it… better yet, do it.

O, Lord, despite any fears I may have of people around me or of events that may be looming, I ask for strength and courage to build my life in accordance with what You have written. Lord, may I start this week and every week strong in You. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, Amen.