Ezra 1:5-6 Everyone whose heart God had moved – prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold…in addition to all the freewill offerings.
Not everyone is leaving for Jerusalem. Remember Jerusalem had been destroyed seventy years earlier. It was in rubbles since no one had made any effort to restore either the Temple or the city. An entirely new generation of people had grown up in the destroyed regions of Jerusalem. They are strangers to the returning exiles. This journey is truly a “mission trip” of Old Testament proportions.
Only a remnant is returning. The Lord moved in the hearts of a small group to restore His Temple and return his people to their homeland. Many people did not return. Most chose to support the effort of others. IN returning they had a purpose, to return the Temple to its former glory and prestige. The list of inventory reflects the purpose for which this remnant is returning. God’s glory is foremost in their hearts and minds as they leave for Jerusalem.
Christians have had their hearts stirred too. We have been moved by the Holy Spirit to return to our Creator and restore His reign within us, the living temples of God’s kingdom. Like the Israelites of Ezra’s day, we bring all our possessions and all our affections to Him. In this way He may reign in and through us.
Today in America we have the world at our door. In our neighborhoods, workplaces, businesses, etc. we find people from around the world. Many believe in gods that sound foreign and strange to us. We do not need to go far to find ruined temples and broken down walls of human suffering. Open your eyes, the fields are ripe for harvest. For us, each day is a Mission Trip.
