Making Ready to Return
Notes
Transcript
Introduction:
Introduction:
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. 22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. 23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the Lord.
Prayer & Fasting (21, 23)
Prayer & Fasting (21, 23)
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
In order to seek a right (or straight, level) way [EXPAND]
23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
“There is more that you can do after you pray, but there is nothing you can do until you pray.” —Dr. Curtis Hutson
They fasted
They besought the Lord in prayer
They labored in prayer together before they returned
We must take the lesson and become a people of urgent, energetic prayer.
We must be willing to set aside all else in order to get to the ear of God
ILLUSTRATION: William Cowper, the 18th Century English Poet and Hymn writer wrote:
What various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
But wishes to be often there?
Prayer makes the darken’d cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian’s armour bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.
While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel’s side;
But when through weariness they fail’d,
That moment Amalek prevail’d.
Have you no words? Ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill your fellow-creature’s ear
With the sad tale of all your care.
Were half the breath thus vainly spent
To Heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
“Hear what the Lord has done for me. ”
I urge you this week, if you are able to fast, if there is no medical condition or otherwise hindering you, pick a day and sanctify it to the Lord through prayer and fasting, crying out to Him to shew us the right way to return
Beg God to cause our church to be revived, that this time of away from God’s house be not wasted, but that in coming together, there would be a passion, and a fire, and a genuineness to our worship that we’ve never seen before!
Proper Frame of Mind (21)
Proper Frame of Mind (21)
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
We must humble ourselves before we can return.
ILLUSTRATION — The Humility of George Whitefield
Although George Whitefield disagreed with John Wesley on some matters, he was careful not to create problems in public that could be used to hinder the preaching of the Gospel. When someone asked Whitefield if he thought he would see Wesley in heaven, Whitefield replied, “I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne and we at such a distance, we shall hardly get sight of him.”
We must approach the return to church in humility, as a people not having all the answers, but rather following the Guidance of God.
Quote:
He that is down needs fear no fall,
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.—John Bunyan
We live in a world where everyone is an expert in everything. Christians ought not to act in such a manner, but rather remember the words of Jesus Himself — for without me ye can do nothing.
So many are quick to share an opinion, regardless of the cost of it, and we ought not be like that.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Perceptive of Feeling (22)
Perceptive of Feeling (22)
22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
Ezra was cognizant of the opinion of the world
He was careful to act in a way that would reflect well on his God, and his faith
RABBIT TRAIL — Nehemiah took an armed escort
God can use different people through different methods
What would have hindered Ezra’s testimony, in no way hindered Nehemiah’s
We need to recognize that what God leads us to do, and the methods God calls us to use need not apply to anyone else
Every church is unique, and God uses every church in unique ways
Be careful to exalt yourself so highly as to think you know what every Christian leader should do for God, and how they should go about doing it, because in doing so, you are putting yourself in God’s shoes.
The fact is, how the world perceives our actions matters
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Even Jesus Himself took this into account
24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
If Jesus, who is always right, was careful to not unnecessarily offend others, should not we, as mere disciples, also set aside our “rights” and opinions, and be willing to be inconvenienced for the same cause?
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
We should be willing to move as many roadblocks as possible between the world and the Gospel! If I have to stand six feet from everyone, in order to bring one person closer to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, that is no inconvenience at all, but a paltry sacrifice to make!
And all of us, should be willing to make it.
Press On in Faith (31)
Press On in Faith (31)
31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
There comes a time to move forward on the path God has laid out
After humbling yourself
After prayer and fasting
After seeking God’s will & enabling
After counting the cost
ILLUSTRATION — A recently licensed pilot was flying his private plane in a cloudy day. He was not very experienced in instrument landing. When the control tower was to bring him in, he began to get panicky. Then a stern voice came over the radio, “You just obey instructions, we’ll take care of the obstructions.”
Ezra was putting himself, and the caravan, in a very vulnerable position
They had tons of silver and gold
They had no escort, no way to defend themselves
They had to travel 900 miles, on foot
Bandits and thieves were as common place in that region and time period as pirates off the coast of Somalia
We cannot see the future
We do not have all the answers
We do not know what will happen next
We must trust in the guiding and protecting hand of our Heavenly Father
Praise Our Heavenly Father (35)
Praise Our Heavenly Father (35)
35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the Lord.
When they arrived safely, they worshipped the Lord
They offered sacrifices
They rejoiced in God’s protection and providence
When we return to church, what will your worship be like?
Will it be more genuine?
Will it be more grateful?
Will it be more meaningful?
Will it be more valuable?
Will it be more flexible?
Conclusion:
Conclusion: