JOURNEY AS GOD'S PEOPLE (EZRA 8:1 - 36)

 

JOURNEY AS GOD’S PEOPLE

Picture taken from Google

 

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ezra chapters 7 - 8:15-21

INTRODUCTION:

When we were a child, we had no responsibilities to think about. We just focused on ourselves and we were dependent to our parents. But now, as adults we have so many things to think about especially to our future. We think about plans and decisions we need to do. Whether we like it or not we need to stand for ourselves. We need to be independent. In our journey in life, we just don’t do anything we think in instant, we need to sit down and think about the plans.

 

Just like in our own personal life, spiritual journey is hard when we don’t have plans ahead. In my own experience, I’ve been in the church for so long since 1991 so I saw how leaders and pastors manage the church or the ministry in different ways. Truly Proverbs 29:18 which says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he,” is a great verse to consider for leaders.

 

This chapters give us a more particular narrative of Ezra's journey to Jerusalem. Ezra's mission was to further the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple. Ezra is introduced as a skilled scribe and a priest, "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given." Let’s see what preparations Ezra considered in their journey.

 

LESSON POINTS:

1.    THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL PLANNING (Ezra 8:1-21)

We know the importance of careful planning but most of the times we don’t do it. Some of us we have the attitude of doing the planning when it’s already near and so we are in a rush situation. In Ezra’s case, they were preparing for a 900-mile journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Approximately, it was a four-month journey. They gathered all the people (who was all making the journey) and approximately, 5000 people who would include in the journey. When they were in a three-day journey, Ezra discovered that no sons of LEVI included in the journey. Levites were needed to assist the priests in the temple. We don’t know exactly what are the possible reasons why there were no Levites in the journey but King Artaxerxes made a decree in the previous chapter, 7:13, that anyone of the Israelites who were willing to go with the journey were allowed to go. It means that the Levites didn’t volunteer themselves in that important journey. Maybe they prefer to remain in Babylon rather than fulfill the role in the temple. Possible, they were already comfortable in Babylon and they think of the hardness of long trip.

 

It's never okay to abandon God’s purposes in our lives in this journey. What did Ezra do? He sent a group of men, men of understanding unto IDDO, the chief of the place (Ezra 8:16-17) to send them workers of what they needed; God provided In verse 18, Ezra recognized God’s hands in their journey.

 

And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;

 

Ezra understands that God is sovereign over everything even in individual decision of Levites. He understands their dependence on the Lord that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord.

 

In our journey, we have plans on where we’re going and how to get there but we need to include God in our journey. WE can plan, we can prepare, we can lay out the best vision BUT WITHOUT THE LORD IT IS NOTHING.

 

2.   THE NECESSITY OF FASTING AND PRAYER (Ezra 8:21-23)

Everything was ready: materials, people and others and in verse 21, Ezra proclaimed a fast. In fact, Ezra didn’t ask the king for soldiers and horsemen in order for them to defend from enemies. He thought that God would defend them. So, he asked the people to fast. They did this to humble ourselves before God and ask Him for a safe journey for them and their children, with all their possessions. He turned to the ONE Who is far more capable; he turned to the Lord. Only the hand of the Lord can make our goals happen. In verse 23, God answered their prayers.

 

In our church, our pastor planned to build a three-story building. The church and the prayer team are busy including this plan in prayers. There are plans, and preparations are doing but only God can make this plan happens.

 

Personally, whatever our plans, ask God and trust Him. Include him in everything we do.

 

3.   THE WISDOM OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNT (Ezra 8:24-34)

In chapter 7, King Artaxerxes loaded with them up with all their needs in travelling and their purpose in Jerusalem – in rebuilding the city and most especially the temple. When they arrived, they weighed all their valuables and listed all and gave to the right people in the temple.

 

CONCLUSION:

In verse 35, they don’t forget the Lord. They burnt offerings unto the Him. They grew up in Babylon but the very first time, they are in the temple and having the opportunity to worship. We can see in their journey that there so many things we need to do to make our journey successful but the most important thing to do is don’t forget God. Consider Him in our journey. He will give wisdom on how our journey becomes smooth.

 

Whatever part of our journey of life we are in at this moment, always be sensitive to God’s call and don’t ever neglect the reminders of God on His Word. KEEP ON!

 

 

WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR?

 

WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? (BAKIT AKO NARIRITO SA MUNDO)

   picture taken from google

BIBLE PASSAGE: Jeremiah 20:18

Lesson Aim:

·         Let them understand deeper that there’s no accident of existence here on earth.

·         God is the source of purpose

Lesson Activity:

Let each members of the group to choose pictures of different kind of weather conditions. The picture they’ll choose will explain their life’s situation in life whether it’s in the past or present time. Let them briefly explain. (If ever a member doesn’t have a picture available, he can just tell his choice and explain) (Tagalog: Anong klaseng buhay ang iyong napagdaanan o pinagdadaanan?)

INTRODUCTION:

Based from our answers in our lesson activity, we can see that life is full of struggles and because of this sometimes people in this world find themselves no purpose. Others find their purpose in different areas of their lives like setting their goals at work, making more money for fame & others, and looking within themselves and create their own purpose but all these things don’t work. Then they see themselves worthless and they choose to take their own lives (suicide). These happen if we take God out of our lives. Life without purpose is meaningless. With this, people have many questions in mind like:

 

LESSON PROPER:

 

1)   Question of Existence: “WHY AM I ALIVE?”

We ask at times, “Why I was born?” If we have questions like this, we cannot see the answers from the world. For example:  If we bought a delicate camera and we can’t figure it out how to use it, where we can go to and ask for help? Of course we need to go to the maker of that camera or to the manual, right?  Therefore, if we have questions of our existence, we need to go to our Maker, God, the creator or to the manual of life which is the Bible. Do we just live for labor and sorrow just like mentioned in Jeremiah 20:18?

“Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?”

 

 Whether we accept it or not everyone of us is not an accident in this world. Why Am I Alive?

·         I WAS CREATED TO BE LOVED BY GOD.

Loves comes from God… for GOD IS LOVE. God showed how much he loved us by sending His only SON into the world… 1 John 4:7-9

 

GOD IS LOVE: It is His nature and character. God’s love is not based on who you are but who HE is.

 

There’s no man in this world who will ever love you as much as God does. If we see the divorce and separation rate, you’ll agree that human love can die and fade.

 

In creation, He had us on His mind. Everything is created before He made us in order for us to use and consume. We were in His focus during creation (Ephesians 1:4). You’ll never struggle of self-esteem and insecurity if you feel loved by God.

 

2)   Question of Significance: “DOES MY LIFE MATTER?”

People sometimes ask: “What am I doing? Does it count? Does it relevant? When you question your significance, it’s hard for you to move forward. Why keep going?  In Psalms 89:47, “Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? How do people live? Other people live in a survival level. They just work to survive and because of this they are dominated by problems to get out of the situation. “You are not living you’re only existing.”

Let’s remember that you’ve made so much more than working and die. Other live in success level. People want more and not satisfied. Live without meaning. It’s better to live in a significance level where you know your creator who made you.

Let’s see how significant are we in God’s eyes:

 

·         He cares about every details of your life. Imagine not even a sparrow, can fall to the ground without your Heavenly Father knowing it (Matthew 10:29). The very hairs on your head are all numbered (Matt.10:30). In verse 31 is an encouragement for every one of us. “Fear ye not therefore, ye are more value than many sparrows.”

·         He planned your days before you were born. Psalms 139:16 is a great reminder.

“Ako’y iyong nakita na, hindi pa man isinilang, batid mo kung ilang taon ang aking buhay; …

 

·         He made you to last forever. He made us in God’s image. It means you are different from animals. You are not a duck, cow, or any animals. In God’s image, we have body, soul and spirit. God wants us to be with Him forever with the soul we have. That’s why He sent His Son for us to be with HIm (John 3:16). Life on earth is a preparation for eternity. YOU MATTER TO GOD!

 

 

3)   Question of Intention: “IS THERE A PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE?”

If there’s no God, wherein atheist believe, no purpose in life, no right and wrong, our birth is only an accident and nothing matters but that’s not the case, THERE IS GOD.He has plan for your life.

 

·         He made you for His purpose (Proverbs 16:4a) “The Lord hath made all things for himself…”

 

All has its purpose. Everything here on earth has purpose; there’s nothing made without purpose. Imagine everything is co-related. The ecosystem is in balance and even bacteria has a purpose. Therefore, it’s important to know your purpose.

How do I discover my purpose?

·         By getting to know GOD. When you start to know God, you’ll start understanding yourself because He is your Creator. For by Him were all things created… Col. 1:16. Knowing God results in everyother kinds of understanding (Prov.9:10).

 

 

CLOSING PRAYER:

THROUGHOUT ALL THEIR JOURNEYS

 

THROUGHOUT ALL THEIR JOURNEYS

picture taken from Google

Bible lesson for January, 2024

 

BIBLE PASSAGE: EXODUS 40:1-38

LESSON VERSE:

For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys (EXODUS 40:38)

 

INTRODUCTION:

I remember the first time I travel after the restrictions because of the pandemic. There were so many things need to prepare. You need to be vaccinated, travel health insurance was required and other documents need to fill out. With these needed, we need to follow because we want our trip or journey to be smooth and with no hassles. Every time I travel especially by plane and international, I have worries about safety that’s why my prayers are non-stop. No one would wish that their travel was tragic or awful.

 

How about our journey in this life? We wanted it to be smooth, prepared and guided but the question is – are we expert in the journey of life? Do we already know what is the right way for us to go?  Whether we accept it or not, we need SOMEONE Who is an expert of life to guide us and that’s the LORD GOD.  In our lesson today, let’s see what are the things we need to consider in this journey of life.

 

BIBLE POINTS:

1.   BEING OBEDIENT IS IMPORTANT (Exodus 40:1-33)

When Jesus went back to heaven, God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to comfort us and guide us in this life (John 14:16-18, 26). The bible is given as our manual of life. It’s a complete guide for us on how to live life on this earth.

 

Before the Israelites was sent on a journey, there were things they need to prepare. Start from verse 1 to 33, we can read that God had commandments that needed to follow or do. On the first day of the month, they needed to set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, they shall put the ark of the testimony and cover the ark with the vail, they needed to set up the table with important things on it and other things they needed to do. These things are part of their journey, they needed to do this as part of their obedience unto the Lord. Another thing, preparing yourself in worship is very important. In our journey, we need to include God and part of it is, preparing our hearts to worship.  

 

 

2.   THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS WITH THEM (EXODUS 40: 34-38)

God’s glory fills the tabernacle. In here obviously, God was pleased with the obedience of Israel. This proved that they really did believe Him and love Him

 

Without the glory, it was just a fancy tent. The same could be said of a church, of a home, or of the human tent.

 

In verse 36-37 we can see how God guided them through the clouds,

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

How amazing that God was there for them in their journey. It’s been a comfort to have someone with you in a journey and personally I know how hard the travel was on being alone. Knowing God is with you in this journey of life is a big comfort. Guide you when to stop and proceed.

 

3.   THE CONFIDENCE OF BEING SAFE ALL THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY (EXODUS 40:38)

 

For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

God’s glory abides with Israel in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. This is a beautiful evidence that God did answer Moses’ prayer in Exodus 33:14, God’s presence was with Israel.

The book of Exodus ends with great hope and trust in God. Though Israel was in the middle of desolate dessert, had fierce enemies in the Promised Land, and was weak and liable to sin, God WAS WITH THEM. THROUGHOUT THEIR TRAVELS, THEY KNEW GOD WAS WITH THEM.

https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-40/

 

CONCLUSION:

Life on earth is short and uncertain. We are created by God and because of that, we need our Creator to guide us. He knows perfectly how to live life because He created it.

There are life situations happen in our life that don’t go according to our plan. We have no control of things and everything we have is limited and even our strength so it’s better in life to be led by SOMEONE who has the control of things. LEAN ON HIM AND TRUST HIM!

WHO KNOWS?

 

WHO KNOWS?

picture taken from Goggle

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 6:12; 7:13-14

THEME VERSE:

For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

INTRODUCTION:

Who knows what is good for man in this life?

As we become adults, we act like we’re good. In decisions, future plans, family issues, and everything. Let’s see and learn from the characters in the Bible and then let’s answer with our mind who really knows what is good for man in this life?

·         King Saul – He chased David in order to kill him. He made desperate measures to make his son, Jonathan, to be in throne. Normally, his son should be the successor but he saw that David was the great possibility because the hand of the Lord was in him. He wanted his son to be in throne which is what a king wanted to be but his will is different from God’s. 

·         King Rehoboam – He asked the two different opinions: the nation’s elders versus his childhood friends. This was regard to the kind of labor that would be given to the workers but he chose the wrong counsel- his childhood friends.

·         King David – When David committed sin (adultery), he solved the problem in his own way. Instead of repenting, he tried to cover it up by killing the husband of Bathshaba.

·         King Solomon – He was given the wisdom, wealth and fame but he came to a point in his life where his wives led him to the wrong way.

·         Ananias and Sapphira – They are married couple, sell a piece of property and promise to donate but they secretly hold back a portion. They chose to lie in the presence of God.

 

These are some of the adults in the bible who had wrong decisions and chose the wrong path. Most of them had higher positions and had higher status in life but these are not guarantee that you know how what is good in your life. Ecclesiastes 6:12 reminds us…

For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

LESSON POINTS:

1)   WHO KNOWS WHAT IS GOOD FOR A PERSON IN THIS LIFE?

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that we don’t know the right path. In fact, we don’t know the best for us that’s why we need Someone to guide us and that Someone is not our friends, parents and others- HE IS OUR CREATOR. Our friends, parents and others are used by God for our guidance but the greater SOURCE of wisdom is the Lord. Psalms 139: 1-4 mentioned that God knows all.

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

Ignoring God and make your own way is a great mistake. In 2 Kings 1:1-15, the king, Ahaziah, fell down from the lattice in his upper chamber and he got ill. With this, he sent messengers to inquire Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron if he would recover. God talked to Elijah and commanded to meet the messengers and reminded them if Israel has no great God to be inquired about and rather inquired to other god. The messengers hadn’t continued inquiring and they went back to the palace. Then the king sent captain with his fifty men to get Elijah in his place but God consumed them. The king sent another captain with his fifty but they were also consumed like the first group of men. For the third time, the king sent another captain with his fifty to get Elijah. This time the captain fell on his knees and begged Elijah to spare him and fifty men. Elijah went with them and told everything to the king what God had asked him to tell. Because he didn’t acknowledge the God of Israel, sad to say, he didn’t recover with this and died.

 

2)   WHO KNOWS WHO CAN MAKE A STRAIGHT LIFE INTO CROOKED?

Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

Ecclesiastes 7:13 reminds us to consider the work of God. In this life, God can make everything into place. He can make your life crooked for us to learn something and your crooked life can be straight depending on God’s will.

 

Let’s remember Naomi’s life. She had a better life in Israel but when famine comes, she moved to Moab. When they were in Moab, there were bad things happened in her life. Her husband died and her sons too; her two daughters-in-law left without husbands. Her daughter-in-law, Ruth, begged to come with her in going back to her country. Ruth and Naomi went back to Israel and this was she said when asked by the people, “I went out full, and the Lord brought me home again empty.” Personally, this caught my attention and truly, only GOD can make you full and empty. It’s not the place that gives you wealth and opportunities, it’s our CREATOR. He has the power to give you wealth. 

 

3)   WHO KNOWS WHAT THE FUTURE LIES AHEAD?

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 is a greatly reminder that everything happens for a reason. In prosperity be joyful and if other bad things happen consider God’s dealings.

One of my favorite characters in the Bible is Joseph. Though there are many bad things happened to him, we can see that God’s still in control. His brothers treated him badly, he was sold to a merchant, he was served in a place he was not comfortable, a different country and away from family. He was accused of being a rapist by the wife of his boss. He was in prison for years. Though we may see these things a bad luck or being unfortunate and we may not consider that the hands of the Lord are still there or still in control but the fact is all things happened for a reason. He was given by God the ability to interpret dreams. He helped one of the prisoners by interpreting his dreams but sad to say the prisoner forgot that someone in prison helped him and that was Joseph. Though he was forgotten by the prisoner, God would never forget him. He made a way for Joseph to be recognized by Potiphar.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 is the best verse for us to remember that whatever we face at this moment, God has better plans for us. Let’s consider God’s works and trust Him.

CONCLUSION:

In order for us to know God’s hands in the midst of trials and sufferings, let’s consider what Romans 12:2 says,

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We need God’s wisdom for us to determine what is right from wrong and also to discern what is right and almost right. We can do this by renewing our minds and fill our minds with God’s words. Why fill our minds with God’s words? So it could help us with the implanted views we have by the world.