The scripture commended the courageous Jews who were determined to return from Babylon to Israel their homeland for the purpose of repairing God’s temple. The patriotic Jews left Babylon to successfully repair God’s temple in Jerusalem as purposed. They also offered acceptable sacrifices to God after the completion of their works. The scripture reported their efforts,
“The children of those who had been carried away captive, who had come from the captivity, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats as a sin offering. All this was a burnt offering to the Lord. And they delivered the king’s orders to the king’s satraps and the governors in the region beyond the River. So they gave support to the people and the house of God” (Ezra 8:35-36).
Lesson:
People who sold out their lives to God will not be ashamed under whatever circumstance. They will be rewarded for their efforts. God will reciprocate goodness for the resources used for him. Jehovah will ensure that none of their efforts will be unrewarded. People who make God happy with servitude hearts will not suffer shame, but their faces will radiate God’s glory from time to time. Their light will shine unto the end of days. Therefore, anyone who has committed himself or herself to a good course of serving God should keep up the practice; he/she will earn many benefits in return in due time. Also, a person who has not made a choice to serve God with full commitment should improve his/her practice so that he can earn many benefits from his Creator. Are you fully committed to God?
Prayer:
Dear God, my life will have no significant meaning if I do not fully serve you. Therefore, I am determined to give you my devoted service, so that you can take full glory over my life. Please give me a servitude heart to faithfully serve you until the end of my life. Enable me with grace through your Holy Spirit to faithfully serve you unto the end! Help me to serve you with ease, and let my services be acceptable to you always. Please turn me to a beacon of praise to your holy name from now on and forevermore! For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.
