Wednesday, September 24, 2014

SOAP 09/24/2014; Ezra 1:4

Today's reading: Ezra 1; Psalm 84, 85; Luke 7

S) "Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem."

Ezra 1:4 (NASB)

O) Cyrus, king of Persia, had just acquired the exiles of God's people (so-to-speak), and in the first year of his reign, he fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah (see v.1). This is another verse that shows us how the LORD stirs the hearts of all people, to bless His chosen nation at His appointed times. The LORD is sovereign.

A) There are two applications. As always, reading verses like this help to better understand who the LORD is. Also, this verse shows the importance of supporting my brothers and sisters in the Lord. I should be excited when my fellow believers are called to action, and I should be excited to support them in real ways, including financial support.

P) Father, this world is Yours to command. You direct the hearts of kings, and nothing is too difficult for You. You will create the ways to support Your will being done, even when it seems illogical or unlikely - even seeming impossible. I have seen such amazing blessings come from brothers and sisters aligning themselves with Your will, working together to support an individual, or a family, or a church. I want to be part of those blessings to others, Father. Include me, as You will, to be part of that joy and restoration and support. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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