Ezra 3

“And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem. Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening burnt offerings.” Ezra 3:1-3 (NKJV)

In an age when most people never enter the doors of a place of worship on the Sabbath, and most others have dismissed the belief in Messiah Jesus as irrelevant and outdated, we need to ask ourselves some pertinent questions. As Christians, we claim to have the true gospel, but why are we making so little impact on the unreached masses?

Ezra 3 spells out four essential ingredients for spiritual blessing: Unity, Zeal, Obedience, and Worship. These components are indispensable and are found in every period of revival. Hence, they are urgently needed today.  

When the Jews returned to Jerusalem, they found the Temple in ruins. Their task was to restore the worship of God and rebuild the Temple. Our task is very similar. We must ask the Lord what job He has set aside for each of us to restore worship and build the “temple” made with “human stones,” the greater community of Messiah (The Church), in our generation.

We find those answers in Ezra 3. As you study today’s chapter, bear in mind that the reason for God’s choice of Israel is a companion to the reason why He has chosen to establish the Church: so that unbelievers may know His pattern of how to worship Him. The mission of God’s people (then and now) is that we would bear witness of Him to those who have yet to know Him in a saving way or are yet to worship Him rightly.

In considering the “four essential ingredients” for revival, perhaps it might help to ask a few simple questions. These questions will help you analyze yourself and determine whether you are a catalyst for (or hindrance to) revival.

1) Is there a fellow believer in my congregation with whom I have a rift?

2) Is my lack of zeal frustrating my ministry leader and holding back God’s favor on our congregation? In short, am I the “Jonah” who needs to be thrown out of the boat?!

3) How would I respond to God if He were to ask me if I genuinely believe I am living by His Word?

4) Is the Savior who shed His blood for me more precious than anyone or anything else?

5) Does my worship focus attention on men or God?

6) How could I increase these four “ingredients” in my congregation?