Teaching Team
Ezra’s Restoration, Our Restoration
Tags: Ezra, rebuilding the Temple
Today is the anniversary of Ezra’s return to Jerusalem from Babylonia. We read in Ezra 7:1-10 of his five month-long journey with the Israelites, Levites, and priests.
The people of Judah had experienced devastating exile from their land and witnessed the destruction of the Holy Place. The prominent people of the nation had been scattered by exile and deported to Babylonia. But, God had prophesied through the prophet Jeremiah that the exile would be temporary, and that they would return to the land of Israel after 70 years.
Fast forward through the days of exile, and 70 years later we come to the days of Ezra. Though their country still laid in ruins and the Temple was desolate, Ezra and those who accompanied him took and enormous step of faith and left the comforts of Babylonia to rebuild the land of their forefathers. It wasn’t comfortable, easy, or a smooth route. It took sacrifice, dedication, and the hand of God. Ezra had his priorities straight. It says, “Ezra had set his heart to study the Torah of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel (7:10).”
Our current movement very much parallels the situation of that generation. Things seem difficult, disorganized, and there seems to be opposition at every corner. Yet we can look to men like Ezra and his example to encourage us.
We must set our hearts upon following our Master and walking in his Torah, just as Ezra did. We must study, apply what we learn, and then teach this truth to others. We will face difficulties and trials, but these are the normal tests that come about to strengthen our faith.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Ezra and his generation. Without them, the Temple would remain in ruins, Torah knowledge would have been lost, and Judah may have disappeared among the nations to which they were exiled. This remnant remained faithful and we are the benefactors of their pioneering work.
Study Torah, do Torah, teach Torah, and remember that your dedication today impacts the future generations.
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