Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening. They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD. (Ezra 3:2-5)
Though they feared the many peoples who surrounded them, they feared their God more, and knew that He alone was their God and their Salvation, both physically, nationally, and spiritually. Their worship in obedience to the Law and in Spirit and in Truth to God reflected their faith and trust in the One who alone would provide, protect, and preserve them as a people and a nation. They gave of themselves that the work of the Lord might continue and He might be glorified in their offering and sacrifices unto the Lord.
Today, God calls us who know Him to service and sacrifice, not to earn, or keep the salvation that God has already purchased and offers freely to all, but because of our love and obedience to our Lord. We serve as ministers of reconciliation because He has reconciled us to Himself. We sacrifice of that which God has given us because of His sacrifice for us and because it all belongs to Him. We offer of ourselves, not in numbers or percentages, but because of His offering of Himself to pay our sin debt to the Father. We worship, not out of compulsion or necessity, but because He alone is worthy, and His commandments are not grievous unto us. We owe Him everything, as He alone is our Creator, our Redeemer, and our King, and while we are not under obligation to pay for what He has done, for He has paid it all. We show our love for Him in our offering of all that He has provided and of ourselves that others might come to know Him until He comes again to this earth to rule and reign.
Until that day, we are called to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as GOD provides, with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that others may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet