Day 254: Not Rambo, Just Obedient

1 John 5; Ezra 3-4; Psalm 92

Believing in Jesus brings lots of blessings. According to 1 John 5, we become God's children and receive love. Because God is love, we learn to love him and love others. Secondly, we have victory over the world. To me, this means that I don't live bound by the worries or trappings of this world; money isn't that important, simply a tool; the only reputation that matters is God's; struggles don't have to leave me empty because I believe in something more. And finally, we have eternal life through Jesus. That's what God promises through his son and so if we believe he is truthful, we can trust that Jesus is the way, truth, and life.

In Ezra, the people return to the rubble that was Jerusalem and soon they rebuild the altar so they can offer sacrifices to The Lord. It says that they did this "even though they were afraid of the people who were already living there." I don't know the details of the people living there, but whoever they were, the Jews were a little nervous to be around them. But did they cower and hide their faith? Nope. This passage acknowledges their fear and doesn't discount it. Being nervous or fearful is a part of being human. God doesn't expect us to rush into every situation as if we are Rambo or Chuck Norris. But, their desire to be obedient was stronger than their fear--that's what God wants from us.

Then, when the foundation of the temple is finish, they throw a huge party honoring and praising God. This seems kind of silly, like, hey guys, you aren't really even very far yet. Why throw a celebration? Because they had been faithful, because any reason is a good reason to throw a celebration honoring God. It was a milestone on their journey of faith and life and so they were celebrating it and God. I think it's cool. Why do we wait until emotionally powerful occasions to honor God? What's wrong with doing it simply because it is Tuesday, or because there is air to breathe, or because we have a job? God deserves parties for any and every occasion.

Psalm 92 could be a song sung at the celebration in Ezra. The psalmist is celebrating who God is. He says that EVERYTHING God does makes him happy. Really? Are we happy about everything God does? I find myself sometimes frustrated with circumstances that I know God set up. Why do I do that? The psalm goes on to tell how wicked people may prosper momentarily, but they will eventually be pulled up like unwanted grass. Those people that love The Lord will prosper and be strong, they will be healthy and fruitful, even when they are old. We have to be in it for the long haul and the present frustrations should bring us joy, just knowing that God is working! God cares enough to put his hand in this mess that we've made called life and do good things.