They offered burnt offerings upon it to the Lord. (Ezra 3:3)
My brother-in-law recently recommitted his life to Christ. He's a muscular and intelligent thirty-something who had run - not walked - away from the Christian faith of his youth. While away from God he struggled with significant sin issues that affected both himself and his young family. Frankly, his life was a mess. Thankfully, my brother-in-law has humbly returned to Jesus Christ. Today, his life reflects that recommitment.
That's the same picture we see of the nation of Israel as Zerubbabel and Jeshua set up the altar once more in Jerusalem. They begin worshiping God with their sacrifices. After 70 years in exile, the nation of Israel had returned to its roots.
When Zerubbabel and Jeshua offered up their morning and evening burnt offerings, they modeled a recommitted heart to the God of Israel. These worship offerings were a powerful testimony to the new beginning they wanted to make with God. Equally important today for anyone who is living apart from God is the need to turn back in submission to the living God. This act of repentance and submission transcends cultural settings. Do you need to recommit your life to the Lord?
Prayer: Lord, use my life as an altar of worship to you this day. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Used with permission.
Rob Bentz
woh.gospelcom.net
