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Ezra and Jerusalem
I am Ezra, descended from Aaron, the chief priest, and this is my account. Once a respected leader in the Persian court, my heart longed for Jerusalem, where my ancestors served God. When Artaxerxes reigned, I found favor in his eyes and secured his support to lead my people back to our sacred city.
Upon reaching Jerusalem, the walls, once rubble, stood firm—Nehemiah’s doing. Yet, my mission was different; it was a spiritual restoration I sought. With scrolls in hand, I read the Law aloud, stirring the souls of those who had forgotten their covenant with the Almighty.
I encountered mixed marriages, a remnant of Babylonian captivity, threatening our purity. With a heavy heart, I prayed and repented on behalf of our people. Moved by God’s Spirit, they pledged to renew their vows and parted with foreign spouses, a testament to their commitment.
For twelve years, Nehemiah, as governor, and I, as spiritual leader, strived to reinstate the Law and bring revival. But after my return to Babylon and subsequent visit back, I was confronted with a bitter truth: old habits die hard. The very issues I addressed before my departure had resurfaced.
I found the sacred chambers defiled by Tobiah’s presence, an affront to our sanctity. Levites and singers, once the heart of our worship, were neglected, their divine duties forsaken for survival. The Sabbath, our holy day, was desecrated by commerce and trade.
Undeterred, I acted. Tobiah’s belongings were cast out, and I reestablished the Levites and singers in their holy service. I shut the city gates on the Sabbath, restoring its sanctity. And those unlawful marriages? They were addressed with righteous indignation and remedied.
I did not stand alone; Nehemiah supported every reform. Together, we faced resistance, but our resolve was rooted in a divine calling. As it was said, “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” Jerusalem would not be forgotten. We stood firm in our faith and heritage.
I was determined to see my people not just rebuild walls but rebuild their faith in God. This new hope I carried was not for my glory but for the love of God and His chosen people. As their scribe and priest, I led them back to the path of righteousness, ensuring God’s law was not just written on scrolls but inscribed in their hearts.
In my days, the second return from exile under my guidance was a quest not only for physical restoration but for a spiritual awakening. The journey was long and arduous, but with the hand of the Lord upon us, we, the returned exiles, were determined to reclaim our land, our temple, and our God-given heritage.
Learned that, to serve God is not a one-time deal. And it requires me to be patient and keep trying. And God will give us the victory gradually.
We warmly invite you to come to the True Jesus Church’s bi-annual Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation. See details below.
18-21 April, 2024 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation
Thursday, 18 April, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 19-20 April, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, 21 April, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.
For regular service hours, please click here.
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org