Text: Ezra 1:1-11
As was mentioned above in the introduction, the beginning of this chapter is almost identical with the end of 2 Chr.36. The story there is being continued here. The people of God have been returned from exile to rebuild the Temple of Yahweh, and God used Persian King Cyrus to do it, which had been prophesied 300 years earlier by Isaiah (44:28)! The items returned are listed in this chapter. These things, and the people, belong to Yahweh.
The fact that Yahweh prophesied the return of His people, more than 200 years before they were exiled, shows that God alone is the One who governs all things according to His own plans. It is especially true about the work of Jesus Christ. Thousands of years before Jesus ever came to earth (and many other times), God promised to send Christ to gain our salvation (Gen.3:15). We belong to God, we are His treasures. Each day King Jesus is delivering His people out of their captivity to sin and returning them to Himself. Dear reader, do you trust Jesus alone to save you from condemnation due to your sin? You escape condemnation through only receiving and believing in Jesus Christ (John 1:12) by faith. Please do that today (2 Cor. 6:2) and receive the eternal life!
Meditate on verse 2. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, thank You for everything You have given me. Help me to establish Your Kingdom in the hearts of men and women. Amen.