April 22, 2024 - Ezra 1-4

The prophet Jeremiah had spoken to the people from the Lord:  “Because you have not listened to my words . . . This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years” (Jeremiah 25:8-11).  And, now, that the word of the Lord might be fulfilled (as it always is), “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm” (Ezra 1:1).  And so (I think we know the story pretty well.), the exiles began returning, they worshiped in Jerusalem for the first time in many years, and the foundation was laid for the new temple.  As might be expected, though, much opposition broke out, and “the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia” (4:24).  As happens over and over, though the people grow weary and afraid and fail, God never does.  And, so, he raises up prophets to preach and to encourage the people but that’s a story for tomorrow.  Today, we re reminded that God fulfills his promises, always!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.   --Thomas O. Chisholm (1923)