Ezra 5:15

"And he said to him, "Take these articles; go, carry them to the temple site that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its former site." Ezra 5:15

What a strange verse for today. What could ever be there to inspire? Well, let's take a look. Ezra is talking about utensils that were taken from the Temple when Jerusalem fell some 70 years before. These are the same items that were displayed by Nebuchadnezzar's son at a national party. It was that night that God wrote on the walls of the banquet room - and the kingdom fell into enemy hands. It is those same utensils that Solomon commissioned to be made for the Temple. The same ones that had been used by the priests when the Glory of God fell upon the Temple on dedication day.

You see, these were important historical and spiritual items to the Jews. Now they are being returned to Jerusalem. The only problem is that the Temple has not been rebuilt - but it will - in part because the sacred items are being returned. This is a most generous gesture of the king - he is turning loose of a great wealth in gold alone (for these items were made of solid gold!) The prophets foretold the day when that which the canker worm had eaten would be returned. This is it. They spoke of the days that the riches of the Gentiles would be given to the Jews. This is it. They spoke of the time when the Temple would be rebuilt and sacred sacrifices would once again be offered. That day is come. All because a king in a far land heard of the injustices done to a small nation - one that had given birth to men and women who found favor in the king's eyes.

These same promises and more have been passed on to you and me. And here is the value of today's verse. If God did it for the Jews in exile, He will do it for us. God is a keeper of promises - even if we fail to keep our end. His promises are "yes and amen". What God speaks is truth and what is truth will be fulfilled. Perhaps you find yourself in a bit of bondage. There is that "pet" sin that plagues you. You simply cannot turn loose of it no matter how hard you try. God will take it away. He promised that we should be made white as snow. "How? When?" you may ask. I don't know. Sometimes it seems to be forever, sometimes it is instantaneous. It's all up to the Father. He may want more effort from those of us who show signs of strength. He may require none from those who have no strength at all. Some of us have struggled with smoking, drinking, or other sins for years and have not found freedom.

God has promised to lift you up. Understanding that He knows what is best for us and we don't, then allowing Him to do things His way and letting Him do the worrying. Which is more relaxing, driving cross country or flying? Most will answer flying. Why? Because the pilot and crew get to do all the hard stuff. We simply lean back trusting that the pilot will find the proper airport and take us to our destination. Simply lean back, put your confidence in the Lord, trusting that He will find the best way to our destination. That's the promise of today's verse - God keeps His promises. Always has - always will. All we have to do is trust. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.