"Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it." ~Ezra 10:4, NIV
God's people, ideally, should be a great source of courage and comfort for God's people. Ezra was following God's calling to reeducate the Israelites on the tasks and requirements and promises of the law when they returned to Jerusalem from being held in captivity.
Ezra saw great wickedness among them, and was weeping in front of God's house. When the people saw him, they knew what it was about - the harsh matter of Israelites intermarrying with other nations. They had just learned what God had to say on the matter, and felt sorely about it.
But they were determined to follow God's precepts so they wouldn't have to go into bondage again. So they told Ezra the above verse. "Get up, we'll support your service of God. It's not going to be easy, but we're behind you."
We as Christians have to follow this model. Every one of us is faced with challenges from this life, and God has called us to do seemingly impossible things. Missionaries are called to drop everything they're doing, and go overseas to preach God's word. Pastors are called to sacrifice themselves and teach the truth to God's people. The truth is never easy to hear, yet that is exactly what every one of us is supposed to tell this world.
We are the body of Christ, as Paul says. The body works together. So we must encourage one another to stand up and carry God's burden. And we can help one another carry those burdens as well, be that through finances, prayer, gifts, and simply words.
Today, you surely have quite the task ahead of you. It may not seem as monumental as Ezra's task, but it is no simple issue, and it matters. But you know what? You can do it. You don't have to be afraid, because our God is with you. And as Chris Tomlin says, if our God is with us, then what could stand against us?
Rise up, take courage; even if no one around you will support you, God will. And He is God. So step out, won't you?
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