Ezra 1 & 2 -- Settling For Less Than God's Best

Around 50,000 people decided to return to Jerusalem once Cyrus allowed it.  They would be returning to little of nothing, but they were taking a great deal with them.  In addition to their clothing, bedding, and the food they’d need for the extended journey, they were carrying gold and silver.  Almost 4 tons of the metals were being transported for use in rebuilding the Temple.  There’s no telling how much more they were taking for use as currency. 

 As I thought about those people, and about those who evidently were choosing to stay in Babylon rather than return home, I came up with several questions:

 For those who were returning, most had probably been born in captivity.  They hadn’t seen their homeland or really known what the Temple and the palaces had even looked like.  They just knew that it was home and it was where they were supposed to be.  They were possessed of a spirit that motivated them to make something that had been ordained by God .

 Those who’d chosen not to go had settled – settled in a foreign land and settled for a life that was less than God had intended for them to have.  Yet it was their choice.  They may have been believers, but most likely not achievers.

 For those headed to Jerusalem, life wouldn’t be easy at first.  There’d be few homes, little or no infrastructure, little commerce.  But they’d be doing what they were meant to be doing.  That’s what really mattered.

 So what about today?  We need to keep asking ourselves the questions:  “Are we doing what we’re supposed to be doing?  Are we putting off what needs to be done?  Have we bothered to inquire of God about what we’re to do?  Have we settled for less than His best?”

 Father, I’m glad that You got me up this morning to read through your Word and to think about these questions.  Keep them on my mind for the remaining days we have here in Hawaii, and for the days to come.  Don’t let me settle for less than Your best for me or my boys.  Guide us in knowing Your will.

 Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford